FOREIGN POLICY CHALLENGES IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS

<p><span><span lang="EN-US">The article discusses the challenges of foreign policy in the countries of the South Caucasus, which are conditioned by the historical confrontation between the dominant states. In the conditions of the formation of current international order, new interests are emerging in the South Caucasus. It is in the interest of the leading players that all three states of the South Caucasus ought to have different foreign policies, which is harmful for the goals of regional integration. For these purposes it is important to emphesize the February 2025 statement of the prime minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni - European civilization is not only a geographical space, but also a set of values, which is born in the bosom of Greek philosophy, Roman law and Christian values. The mismatch of interests among the dominant players in the region leads to conflict. The South Caucasus region along with the purposeful use of new geopolitical and geoeconomic opportunities, is trying to ensure peaceful regional development. Accordingly, putting the Anaklia port issue on the agenda will lead to tension between the dominant players and the South Caucasus enters at the center of geopolitical obstacles. In this regard, it is important to note the March 2025 statement made by U.S secretary of state Marco Rubio - a new era is beginning for the South Caucasus. That is to say that Georgia is interesting to the West not as a separate player, but as an integral part of the „Transcaspian International Transport Route“ and the “One Road, One Belt” project.</span></span></p>