Azerbaijan and Armenia: How Energy Connectivity is Critical to Peace

This article sets out to examine the importance of energy connectivity in shaping the relationship between Azerbaijan and Armenia across the economic, diplomatic and security spheres – from the Soviet period, to the present day, to the future. The article explains how energy and infrastructure connections had a significant influence on the post-Soviet development of the two countries and their ties with one another as well as regional and global players including Russia, Türkiye, the West, and others. The article demonstrates how energy and broader connectivity dynamics have played, and will continue to play, a critical role in the ongoing negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia to normalize relations, one which involves both challenges and opportunities to achieve a diplomatic agreement. The article concludes that the key to a peaceful and sustainable future between Azerbaijan and Armenia is constructive cooperation across the energy, climate, and connectivity spheres, the successful implementation of which will have positive impacts throughout the Caucasus region and beyond.

Authors: Eugene Chausovsky
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