The southern caucasus: a struggle for

CENTRAL ASIA AND THE CAUCASUS

Volume 12  Issue 1  2011

57

Azerbaijan and Georgia, unlike Armenia, consider the West (U.S.) to be a key source for securing

their independence and counterbalancing Russia’s predominant power. Second, the Islamic nature of

Tehran’s regime significantly limits political cooperation; and third, Russia is a major bone of conten-

tion. The elimination of Iranian-U.S. tension or any significant improvement in their relations does

not coincide with Russia’s long-term interests.

Finally, the strategic approach of Iran’s foreign policy toward the Southern Caucasus is more

pragmatic than ideological. It is based on ethnicity and oriented toward preventing any significant shifts

that could strengthen the position of the United States, the European Union, or NATO; supporting

Russian dominance; and maintaining a balance between local states.