ABSTRACT
The concept of a distinct ‘South Caucasus’ region is an externally generated geographical label that implies a certain degree of unity and positive interdependence between the three states that does not exist. Conflicting dynamics complicate relations between states and serve to undermine efforts, both internal and external, to establish a sense of regional identity and advance inter-state cooperation and thus initiate the formal linkages necessary to advance inter-state cooperation. Geographic understanding of the South Caucasus ‘region’ as a territorial entity is straightforward, but generally, inhabitants of the area do not identify with the concept of a South Caucasus region (despite the fact that external actors do) and different cultural identities undermine the development of strong affinities. However, in spite of the lack of an internal common regional identity, the South Caucasus continues to be dealt with as a single, unified entity by organisations such as the EU and understanding of the South Caucasus as a coherent ‘region’ has tended to be defined by the actions of external forces. Thus, there is a disconnect between the perceptions of internal and external political actors: it is perceived to be a coherent, unified entity by those from outside the region, but not by those within. State-level initiatives that include all three South Caucasus states are generally advanced by external actors and are hindered by the complex political realities of regional relations and security alignments. In the post-Soviet era, there have been a number of initiatives intended to advance greater regional cooperation amongst the South Caucasus states. Some have focused on security issues, notably the regional security platforms proposed by the three states themselves and Russia, Turkey and Iran, but these have proved difficult to instigate. The environment is one area where there has been significant cooperation between the three South Caucasus states, largely because environmental issues tend to be less politicised than other areas such as conflict, whilst also posing a substantial threat to a wider area because they do not respect national boundaries. There has also been significant transnational cooperation at the civil society level, with initiatives instituted by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), although again, many are driven by external actors. The most successful initiatives are those focused on economic development and cooperation, such as the pipeline and railway infrastructure projects between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Nevertheless, these examples reflect geopolitical realities and the different strategic orientations of the three states. They may be neighbours, but there is still considerable distance between the foreign policy outlooks of the three South Caucasus states and there is more that divides the three than unites.
