Why Did Russia Sell Out Armenia – Inability or Unwillingness?

Geopolitical Realignment in the Near Abroad

Dear Subscribers,

“Barbershop Whispers….Russia” begins with “My Takeaways”on the main topic followed by the main topic discussion. The last two sections of “Barbershop Whispers…Russia” will be follow-ups from previous publications and emerging events.

In the previous issue, I discussed the competition for influence over Central Asia and the Caucasus and the use of government organizations created by Russia and others to project influence in Russia’s “Near Abroad”. 

This week’s issue focuses on Russia’s decision to abandon its security commitments to Armenia, ultimately contributing to Azerbaijan’s successful takeover of the long-disputed ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh – the Republic of Artsakh. Why did Russia not fulfill its security commitment…