The South Caucasus: A Geopolitical Crucible of Power, Pipelines, and Proxy Wars The South Caucasus—Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan—is a strategic nexus where global and regional powers compete for influence. Over the past 25 years, conflicts like Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia’s 2008 war with Georgia, and the 2022 Ukraine invasion have transformed the region. NATO pushes Western integration, particularly in Georgia and increasingly Armenia, while Azerbaijan leverages its Turkey-Israel alliance and energy wealth. Russia, weakened by Ukraine, counters with the Iran-Russia axis, bolstered by the Russia-China “no limits” partnership. Iran supports Armenia to check Azerbaijan’s Turkish-Israeli alignment, while Israel’s drone supplies and intelligence ops in Azerbaijan counter Iran. India arms Armenia to rival Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. Central Asia and China prioritize economic corridors like the Middle Corridor and Belt and Road. Economically...