Transformation of the Post-Cold War Order and the Global and Regional Powers Policy in the South Caucasus after the 2020 Karabakh War

The end of the Cold War ushered in a Unipolar world characterized by US hegemony. In 1990s and early 2000s was realizing strategy “liberal hegemony” with emphasis on democracy promotion former socialist camp. NATO enlargement support to EU extension were key pillars this strategy. There perception among pundits policymakers that democracy” will spread all over world, bringing new era peace stability. However, moment short lived. global financial crisis 2007-2008 marked beginning transformation post-Сold order. reasons behind are numerous – relative decline US, rise others, most notably China, launch multilateral organizations such as BRICS Shanghai Cooperation Organization. post-cold war order brings back notion multipolar “great power competition”. emergence "multipolar order" inevitably trigger regional instability rivalry for absence hegemon or "world policeman" means second-tier states be more inclined use coercion primary tool push forward their national interests. is facing unraveling very few clues what emerging may look like. One pattern obvious putting coercion, force hybrid warfare element foreign policy. Meanwhile, triggers tough often violent struggle dominance powers. South Caucasus an arena overlapping interests many actors Russia, EU, Turkey, Iran. While geopolitical configuration region based competition between Turkey Azerbaijan Georgia partnership supported Russia Armenia alliance, situation has changed recent years. Turkey’s quest independent policy growing tensions have resulted establishment competitive/cooperative relations Turkey. Ankara Moscow still competitors but they able manage contradictions. 2020 Karabakh harbinger upcoming changes balance power. won receiving significant military from suffered losses, while deployed its peacekeepers Nagorno Karabakh. As faces external vying influence, West completely ruined after February 2022, become another competition. interested Russian out initial five-year term, viewing step reducing influence region. seeks stabilize Azerbaijan, meanwhile keeping presence Despite remains main efforts decrease Caucasus.