Author: Tigran Torosyan Ankara in the South Caucasus after the Russian-Georgian War The South Caucasus graphically illustrates the theory of the cyclic development of history. Once every 100 years, the region becomes a scene of clashes between great powers that seek to change the alignment of forces there. For example, at the beginning of the 19th century, St. Petersburg [Russia's capital at the time -- Ed.] took control of the region and incorporated it in the Russian Empire. At the dawn of the 20th century, Russia neutralized the British Empire's efforts to extend its own influence to the South Caucasus. Finally, in the 2000s, Moscow has been opposing similar attempts of the United States. The active phase of the revision of the boundaries of zones of interest usually lasts 20 to 25 years. The five-day war in the Caucasus in August 2008 was the culmination of a long period of heightening tensions -- not only between Russia and Georgia but also, as many believe (not without reason), between Moscow and Washington. The war has produced a new situation, which requires a comprehensive analysis of the roles of other regional actors, above all Turkey. A NEW GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION The Georgian-Russian war not only gave rise to open manifestations of the positional struggle between Moscow and Washington for influence in the Caucasus (suffice it to analyze statements of Russian and U.S. high-ranking officials during and immediately after the conflict). Also, the war became a momentous event as it caused other countries to revise Tigran Torosyan was the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia in 2006-2008. He holds a Doctorate in Political Science. стр. 120 Russia's role in world politics, the practice of conflict management, and other factors. Paradoxically, the outcome of the fighting can be viewed as advantageous to all the participants in the events. Georgia has "disburdened" itself ... Читать далее