Dancing with the Devil: Armenia’s Risky Nuclear Gamble with Washington

The US–Armenia civil nuclear deal signals Washington’s entry into a Russian-dominated strategic space in the South Caucasus through a $9 billion energy agreement. While Armenia seeks to diversify partnerships, the move risks escalating tensions with Russia, Armenia losing its sovereignty in the long run, and reshaping regional power dynamics.

Europe’s constant violations of the concluded agreements and treaties with respect to NATO have caused Russia to secure its borders from further expansion of the alliance. Over the past four years, the West, the US in particular, has tried its best to incite Russia face-to-face with the conflict in Ukraine, knowing very well that this could lead to a nuclear exchange. The US footprint in the Southern Caucasus region is another layer, and the recent US-Armenia civil nuclear deal is its best manifestation – a way to further incite Russia.

Russia-Armenia Partnership

The Southern Caucasus has been Russia’s sphere of influence. Soon after the disintegration of the USSR, Armenia became independent, but its entire security dynamic depended on Russia. Armenia and Russia immediately developed a strategic relationship, with Russia providing security guarantees and arms sales and maintaining a military presence in the country.

Armenia is one of the prominent members of the Russian CSTO, which is considered an alternative to the NATO-like security guarantees, where ‘an attack on one will be considered an attack on all.’ In addition to this, Russia has been playing a significant role in mediating between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Another important aspect of the relationship between the two countries is the civilian nuclear cooperation. Russia is the primary........

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