Policy of Russia in South Caucasus

South Caucasus, by its geopolitical location, transit function and oil and gas resources in the region occupies significant place in nowadays international policy. After dissolution of Soviet Union countries of the region – Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia have selected different foreign vector and each of them tries to conduct policy corresponding to this vector.
From the nineteenth century before dissolution of Soviet Union these countries were in composition of Russian Empire, and than of USSR. After dissolution of Soviet Empire Russia was in very hard condition and it had to deal with problems of maintaining of the country. Although Russia succeeded with overcoming the deep crisis, it steadily stood on its feet again and obtained ambition to return on international field in the rank of superpower. Strategically Caucasus is important region for it. Its task is to restore influence over former Soviet Republics, because it considers this neighboring area as zone of its own vivid interests.
For Russian Federation all three sovereign states of South Caucasus are significant objects of intelligence influence and penetration and as of today, inspiration of conflicts of ethnical and religious character, as well as separatist regimens formed as buffering zones are used as solid lever of management.
The master’s thesis reviews transformation of interests of Russia in the region of South Caucasus from beginning of its imperialistic policy up to present, there are also examined those mechanisms and levers by which Russia tries to conduct this policy and to achieve its goals.