THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE SOUTH CAUCASUS IN THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM

The ongoing political processes in the South Caucasus are always characterized by different dynamism and diversity. The countries of this region are constantly fighting to protect their national interests. Regional actors always try to gain their political influence in the South Caucasus region. Their goal was to suppress all attempts to defend independence in the South Caucasus region. It turned out to be not so easy, because the Caucasian people were very resistant to all empires. The situation changed significantly in the 19th century. Controversies took a different form for the South Caucasus region. In order to spread its political influence not only in the South, but also in the entire Caucasus region, Russia was able to remove all rivals and strengthen its positions here. Due to the two revolutions of 1917, Russia briefly gave up its positions in the South Caucasus. This was followed by the gaining of independence by all three states of this region (Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan) in 1918, although this did not last long (1918-1921). Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union. As a result of the collapse of the Soviet Union (1991), all three South Caucasian states were able to gain independence again. The political situation in the South Caucasus in the 90s of the last century can be characterized as particularly dynamic. The processes taking place in the countries of the region were of great interest to both internal (Russia, Iran, Turkey) and external regional (USA, EU, then China) actors. The cause of their interests was the collapse of the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, all three independent states of the South Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan chose different foreign policy courses. Along with the different foreign policy course of these countries, it is worth noting the intervention of external actors in the development process of the region. Also, in internal political processes in the region, such as: conflicts, territorial disputes between states. As the South Caucasus region is interesting and attractive for both internal regional and external actors, its role in the international security system occupies an important place.