Foreign Countries Humanitarian Policy in the South Caucasus: on the Materials of the International Round Table

The article reflects the most interesting opinions expressed during the international round table “Humanitarian Policy of Extra-Regional Actors in the South Caucasus”, organized by the National Research Institute for Communications Development in partnership with the Center for International and Strategic Studies of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. A comprehensive view of humanitarian policy in the context of geopolitical and economic interests of countries is presented. Emphasis is made on the policies of the United States, Turkey, Iran, and their rivalry among themselves. Humanitarian policy is considered an integral part of foreign policy. Historically, the United States views South Caucasus as a space for a geopolitical game in the struggle for influence with Russia. But the general course for the “strategic defeat” of Moscow forced the American leadership to look for options on how to increase pressure, this time through Armenia. Iran’s humanitarian policy is characterized in the article as “smart power”. The concept of cultural diplomacy in Iran’s foreign policy indicates a shift in emphasis in resolving interstate contradictions from the level of military and political rivalry to the socio-cultural and spiritual level of cooperation. Turkey skillfully combines the tools of economic and cultural influence to achieve political interests. Russia’s humanitarian policy is based on preserving cultural and historical ties, forming an objective image of Russia, and preserving the Russian language as a language of communication.