Abstract

The geographical and strategic location of the South Caucasus has made this region one of the most important centers of competition between the United States and Russia.The Russian Federation considers this region as its traditional area of influence and the first link to defend its national security, and in the meantime, it considers the efforts of the United States and the West to expand influence in the South Caucasus as a strategic threat to itself.On the other hand, America, considering the power vacuum that arose in the region after the collapse of the Soviet Union;With economic investments, especially in the field of energy and the development of military cooperation with the countries of the region, it seeks to expand its influence in the South Caucasus and in line with the formation of the balance of power in favor of Washington and its regional allies, which leads to a conflict of interests. And the confrontation between Russia and America in this region has resulted.Thus, the main question of the article is, what measures have the United States and Russia taken to stabilize regional influence in the South Caucasus?The research hypothesis is that because the Kremlin considers the South Caucasus as its traditional area of influence and as a barrier to defend its security and territorial integrity; Therefore, the presence and influence of the United States in this region, which is aimed at increasing Washington's regional and international power;It is considered as the weakening and encirclement of Russia and ultimately the collapse of this country.Therefore, Moscow is trying to limit and neutralize Washington's growing power and influence in the region, while increasing its influence and acting power in the South Caucasus, which causes confrontation and regional competition between the United States and Russia in South Caucasus.