Viability of Armenia's Crossroads of Peace depends on superpowers' strategic orientations, says political scientist
5 minute read
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The geopolitical situation in the Caucasus region has become more complicated and tense, because we are living in a period of violation of stable borders, certain relationships and rules.
In an interview with Armenpress, political scientist Armen Hovhannisyan expressed such an opinion, while analyzing the current situation in the South Caucasus and potential developments.
"Donald Trump's statements after his re-election are concerning. These statements are unacceptable even from the perspective of international law, while his supporters spread them, despite being aimed at a domestic audience and intended to stir patriotic feelings among Americans. In any case, considering the global role of the United States, these statements do not contribute to strengthening security systems," the political scientist stated.
According to Hovhannisyan, if Trump can make unfounded territorial claims against NATO member Denmark, what is to prevent Azerbaijan, Turkey, and other similar countries from acting in the same manner toward their neighbors?
“Turkey’s behavior in Syria is a vivid example of this, where an entire country is being transformed into a satellite of Turkey, relying on the group that came to power there and its ties with Turkey. This makes us to be ready and vigilant. Therefore, the imperative of forming military-political alliances and avoiding getting caught in the vortex of developments becomes extremely important, as we may enter a period where being isolated and weak would simply be similar to suicide,” Hovhannisyan stated.
Addressing Armenia's Crossroads of Peace project, the political scientist emphasized that, as Trump described it, we have entered a period of political deals to be made between major countries, and they will decide where the roads will go. This is particularly significant, given the obvious conflicting interests in our region.
According to Hovhannisyan, it remains unclear whether the superpowers are ready for compromises.
"It will be in the aftermath of these decisions that the viability of the approaches and initiatives will become clear.
In the current situation, the leadership of our country must finally clarify Armenia's position from a security perspective. The argument that if we break away from this or that country, we will be punished no longer works. Now, we need to act from a completely different perspective. We should focus on the countries in the region that share common interests with Armenia and are willing to defend those interests alongside us. In other words, the strategic approach must be clarified. We need to take steps toward those countries that are willing to cooperate with Armenia, including in the military sphere. Such countries include, for example, France and India," said Hovhannisyan.
According to the political scientist, it is quite possible that the geopolitical competition among superpowers in our region will lead to rational solutions, but these may come with escalations and even clashes.
"Human history has never been ideal. Concepts born from bright minds have rarely been implemented without serious obstacles. The political elite of any country strives to achieve the best rational decisions for itself, but the path can be quite difficult. We have the experience of the 20th century, when it took two world wars and several severe local conflicts before the Helsinki international architecture was formed. We must remain vigilant and take rational, calculated steps in terms of security," the political scientist concluded.