Geopolitical Changes and Crises in the Caucasus

The caucasus has seen numerous crises since the region gained independence following the collapseof the soviet union. some of these crises have not been resolved yet as evidenced by recent russiageorgiaconflict. this paper seeks to analyze such crises within the framework of significantgeopolitical changes unfolded by the collapse of the soviet union. the main thrust of the paper is thatin the post-soviet era, the russians lost much of their control over the region due to their owndomestic problems, but it seems that moscow is not interested in withdrawing further from the region.the findings of the paper indicate that under current conditions, it seems that as long as all regionaland extra-regional powers fail to consider the interests of other powers or try to pose threats 10them,the crises will continue 10 unfold in the caucasus. while there is no agreed dispute settlementmechanism in the region either.