Why Georgia Does Not Extend Direct Aid to Armenia in the Current War

The current conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh involves multiple parties, each acting based on their strategic interests. It is a complex geopolitical situation where religious ties and economic factors intertwine. In this article, we will delve into why Georgia, despite being a Christian country, is not extending direct aid to Armenia in the ongoing war.

Understanding the Background and Context

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is often portrayed as a Christian versus Christian conflict, with Armenia and Azerbaijan both being predominantly Christian nations. However, the dispute extends beyond religious ties, encompassing territorial and political considerations.

Why Georgia Does Not Extend Direct Aid?

Georgia’s stance on the conflict is primarily influenced by its national interests, historical ties, and multilateral relationships.

Ties with Russia in 2008

One of the key reasons Georgia does not directly assist Armenia is because of the 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia. In August 2008, Georgia engaged in a short but intense military conflict with Russia, which is also allied with Armenia. This historical event has left a lasting impact on Georgia's geopolitics. Many in Georgia view Armenia as an ally of Russia and maintain a cautious stance towards supporting it, even in times of conflict.

Economic Ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey

Georgia has strong economic ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey, two key players in the conflict. These partnerships are significant in terms of trade, infrastructure, and energy projects. For example, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, one of the largest natural gas pipelines in the world, passes through Georgia. The pipeline's investment is substantial, with Azerbaijan and Turkey holding a considerable stake. Breaking this alliance or cooling down relations would be detrimental to Georgia's economic stability and growth.

Historical and Cultural Complexities

While Georgia is a predominantly Christian country, the relationship between Georgia and Armenia is not without its complexities. The two nations have a shared history, but they also have distinct political and cultural identities. Georgia has its own geopolitical interests, which sometimes conflict with those of Armenia. This includes issues such as border disputes and the strategic position of the Caucasus region.

The Nature of the Conflict

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a simple religious war but a complex geopolitical conflict rooted in territorial disputes and strategic interests. Each party involved acts in their best interest, often aligning with countries that offer economic or political benefits. This can include alliances with Russia, support from Iran, or partnerships with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Iran’s Unofficial Support for Armenia

It is important to note that while many see the conflict through the lens of religion, it is also influenced by broader geopolitical interests. For example, Iran, despite being a predominantly Muslim country, has unofficially supported Armenia due to Armenia's strategic location and its proximity to the South Caucasus. This support is more about economic and political interests rather than religious or cultural ties.

United Interest Groups

It is also worth mentioning that various interest groups, including non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and international partners, can influence the narrative and the public perception of the conflict. These groups often push for certain actions or alliances based on their own political agendas, which can complicate the situation further for countries involved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the shared Christian faith, Georgia’s decision not to extend direct aid to Armenia is due to a combination of historical, economic, and geopolitical factors. These factors shape the relationships between countries in the region and influence their decisions in times of conflict. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.