InterviewwithParag Khanna, Senior Research Fellow, American Strategy Program and Director at Global Governance Initiative.
Q: What do you think about the current geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus region? What would you say about Russia’s, as well as the USA’s, foreign policy moves in relation to Azerbaijan?
A: On the positive side, there has been no flare-up of major hostilities 18 months after the Russian invasion of Georgia last summer. But on the negative side, there is no mutually agreed resolution to the border disputes. With respect to Azerbaijan, there is still a lack of transparency in Russian foreign policy still, and we might see changes based on what happens with Georgia, but also due to the growing instability in the North Caucasus.
Q: What are the main points of the clash of Russian and American interests in the former Soviet countries, and especially in Azerbaijan? In your opinion, is right to say “world power” concerning Russia? Is this country a real world power?
A: Russia is not a world power, but a major power in three crucial regions: Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Far East. But its influence is in flux across these regions. Right now it is attempting to use energy/pipeline issues and investment to regain its strength in the Caucasus and Central Asia, but is weakening in the Far East given growing Chinese influence there.
Q: How would you comment on the decision of the U.S. Congress on allocating direct aid to Nagorno Karabakh? It is how much fair to allocate the financial help to separatists in Nagorno Karabakh?
A: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has been very politically sensitive in the U.S. for quite a few years, and one can see this as a politically motivated move backed by particular lobby groups more than a statement of foreign policy.
Q: How you think, if military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh begin, what states in region can be involved in it — Russia, Turkey, the USA?
A: Certainly Russia and Turkey would be involved on opposite sides, while the US would attempt to calm the situation and urge restraint.
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