Quarterly Journal of West Asian Studies
(Faṣlnāmah-i Gharb-i Asiyā)

Quarterly Journal of West Asian Studies (Faṣlnāmah-i Gharb-i Asiyā)

South Caucasus as a geopolitical chessboard; Redefining energy and security equations in West Asia

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Department of International Relations, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
10.22034/wasj.2026.576409.1132
Abstract
As a strategic region in Eurasia and West Asia, the Caucasus is a complex arena of geopolitical competition between great powers.The developments in the Caucasus in recent years, due to its geopolitical location, rich energy resources, and intermediary position in energy transport, have highlighted the role of this region as a center of geopolitical competition between regional and trans-regional actors.The question is how energy and security equations in the South Caucasus are shaped by the influence of various international and regional actors, and what consequences do these interactions have for the stability and security changes in the region?The hypothesis of article, based on the theory of structural realism, is that the geopolitical competition of regional actors and global powers in the Caucasus has led to a redefinition of energy transfer routes and regimes and a new order in the security equations of West Asia. This article is qualitative and, relying on an analytical-descriptive approach and using library resources, examines the role of the Caucasus in rearranging energy and security equations in West Asia.The findings show that energy equations, especially the control of oil and gas pipelines and the role of energy transit, are one of the key factors in strengthening security competitions and confrontations in this region.Ethnic conflicts and a multi-faceted military presence have increased instability,while energy plays an effective role in security and geopolitical policy.These interactions have made the South Caucasus a geopolitical chessboard, a playground for different powers.
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Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 10
Winter 2026
Pages 126-166

  • Receive Date 18 February 2026
  • Revise Date 30 April 2026
  • Accept Date 30 April 2026
  • First Publish Date 30 April 2026
  • Publish Date 23 September 2025