ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on state security and power advantages, and a constructivist approach, based on a diversity of international actors and the creation of identities, norms and values. It argues that NATO's increasing engagement in the South Caucasus can proceed from two visions of international relations; a realist view. NATO's activities in the South Caucasus have waxed and waned over the last decade. Caucasian oil reserves being limited, some Allies have come to the conclusion that the next oil frontier will be well outside NATO's traditional area of operation. The Riga Summit Declaration hinted at the difficulty of reaching consensus while at the same time deepening NATO's involvement in the South Caucasus. When NATO started to appeal for the respect of Armenian, Azerbaijani and Georgian sovereignties, Russia began to reaffirm its interest in these countries. Success of NATO's model will depend on the attractiveness of the Euro-Atlantic institutions, compared to Russia's.
