Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
Abstract
The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The United States has fostered these states ties with the West, including membership in the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO's Partnership for Peace (PFP), in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The Clinton Administration pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with former Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze, now Georgia's president. Growing U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's oil resources strengthened U.S. interest there. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, many of which remain unresolved. In the South Caucasus, U.S. policy goals have been to buttress the stability and independence of the states through multilateral and bilateral conflict resolution efforts and to provide humanitarian relief. U.S. aid has also supported democratization, free market reforms, and U.S. trade. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers, and encourages building multiple oil pipeline routes to world markets. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the three South Caucasus countries have expressed support for the U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan and campaign against the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. U.S. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld visited all three countries in mid-December 2001.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 03, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA474109
Entities
People
- Jim Nichol
- Julie Kim
Organizations
- Library of Congress