Abstract
This article serves as a discussion of Russia's attempts to try to keep vestiges of the Soviet sphere of influence in the Caucasus region. The writer looks at Russian economic policy toward the Transcaucasian states. The complications of each state and the Russian response are also discussed in this paper.

From the Paper
"Since the demise of the Soviet Union, Russia has pursued a policy of attempting to keep former Soviet republics within Moscow's sphere of influence. Perennially concerned about invasion, Russia had created a buffer zone between itself and potential adversaries through the Soviet period. In the west Ukraine Belarus and the Baltic states of the Soviet Union as well as the Warsaw Pact nations of Eastern Europe insulated Russia proper ... "

Tags:Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia

Abstract
This paper explains that the Russian-Chechen conflict is a direct brutal clash between the central authorities of a federal state Russia and a sub-national component Chechnya, which has been accorded the rights as per the constitution but demands to be an autonomous state or to have a non-federal relationships. The author points out that most of the Chechen combatants are extremists, who have completely lost their conscience to Islamic establishments and are probably linked to Al-Qaeda, having committed such terror acts as seizing citizens in a hospital in the southern Russian town of Budyonnovsk in 1995 and capturing a school in the North Ossetian town of Beslan in 2004, resulting in the death of more than 500 children. The paper concludes that (1) Chechnya is badly in need of a political solution since armed endeavors during the last nine years have not been fruitful, bringing the Chechen's to a more radical front and permitting the authority of Islamic fundamentalism to penetrate Caucasus and (2) the global society has to show solidarity against extremism because there is no justification, which can uphold the brutal aggression meted out by the Chechen insurgents.

Table of Contents
Describe the Conflict Situation
Define the Reasons for the Conflict
Determine Who if Anyone is at Fault and Why
Is there a Solution?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The September 11 2001 assaults by the Al Qaeda and the condition with the Moscow Theatre provided a better plea to Putin to safeguard his military activities in Chechnya. Currently, the Chechens have been member of the extremists and the battle with them is a component of the international battle on extremism. Prior to 11 Sept 2001, the global society were severe with Russia regarding the Chechen exigency, but thereafter following the assault on Moscow Theater they were inclined to be increasingly cooperative and sparing Russian activities. Gaining the notice of the Western media, the suicide bombings are a proof of Chechnya's instability and the dangers of permitting the insurgent Islamist crusade starting to gather foothold there to flourish."

Tags:non-federal, autonomous, extremists, suicide, caucasus

Abstract
This paper address peacekeeping in the Caucasus. It examines the historical background of the situation in the Caucasus and the geopoloitical situation there. The paper then examines several peacekeeping operations that were or still are in place in the region and looks at the pragmatism or idealist nature of these operations. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of the peacekeeping missions as well as the eventual developments for the future of the area.

Table of Contents:
Historical Background
The Geopolitics of the Region
Peacekeeping
Conclusion

From the Paper
The role of peace keeping is essential and can be seen as a milestone in the current era of conflicts and wars. The United Nations, along with its specialized organizations play a vital role in offering the strategic and technical support for peacekeeping operations to take place. However, there are certain analyses to be made in order to ensure that all factors are taken into account. In the cases of Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh these factors include the historical background, the geopolitical discussions, as well as the traditional actors which are involved in the mediation processes. At the same time though in order to consider all the elements involved, one can visibly see that there is a certain discussion over the role Russia plays and will continue to play in the region. Finally, in order for the peacekeeping operations to be effective, both the UN and the OSCE must include the regional and national elements as well."

Tags:geopolitics, UN, mediation

Abstract
This paper explains that European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) was developed to combat some of the European security issues that exist in Europe. Authorities believe that the ENP would enhance the European Union's ability to secure the region against terrorism and would help promote the economy and overall quality of life of the region. The author points out that originally the ENP applied to its direct neighbors: Algeria, Belarus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine. Later, however, it was extended to include the countries of the Southern Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) with whom the present candidate countries, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, share either a maritime or land border. The paper concludes that by eradicating terrorists or criminal activities and by strengthening the political and justice systems in the country, the ENP will be helpful to Georgia. The paper includes many quotations.

Table of Contents:
Introduction to Study
Introduction
Background/ History
Theoretical Framework
European Integration Theory
Social Theory and International Negotiation Theory
Literature Review
Purpose of the EU
EU Pursues Two Main Types of Policies towards the Rest of the World
Economic Policies
Foreign and Security Policies through the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Defense Policy Cooperation
Enlargement
Development of ENP
ENP Framework: Objectives, Principles and Instrument
European Security Strategy as a Foundation of ENP
The European Neighborhood Policy
Trade and Competitiveness
Development
Strategic Relations, Political Dialogue and CFSP
EU-Georgia Relations
From Partnership to Neighborhood and beyond Neighborhood Policy
EU-Georgia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Analysis
Looking at the Neighborhood from Georgian Perspective
Why is ENP Important for EU and for Georgia?
The Military Sector
The Economic Sector
The Education Sector
The Environmental Sector
The Society Sector
The Political Sector
How Sectors are Synthesized
EU Interests towards Black Sea Region: Why Georgia Matters?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"According to the commission's report these agreements permit the expansion of cooperation and economic amalgamation across a variety of domains. The effects of these agreements have not been realized at the current time. In any case, the ENP provides a foundation for improved cooperation in many distinct domains so that the EU and its partners can realize the full benefit of the structures that are in place (European Neighborhood Policy). To this end, the Action Plans will establish key priorities to be tackled in the years to come."

Tags:bilateral, action, integration, sector, terrorism

Abstract
One of the oldest countries in the world is Armenia and it has a recorded history of about 3500 years. This paper examines the history of the country and the ethnic group which originated in the Caucasus and eastern Asia. The paper then discusses the history of the Armenian population in the United States and how it has contributed to American society.

From the Paper
"The largest Armenian community, other than that in Armenia, exists in America. This Armenian American community is the erudite and affluent community. The triumph of Armenians in America has been credited to their expertise in business and crafts, their very high degree of literacy, an extensive history of minority status, and solid efforts. Due to the immense value their parents put on education, second and third generations bent towards the professions and teaching. Armenians have accomplished national and international reputation in the arts."

Tags:Hayasa-Azzi, George, Deukmejian, nationalism, church

Abstract
This paper reviews Thomas De Waal's and Carlotta Gall's "Chechnya, Calamity in the Caucasus", John Dunlop's "Russia Confronts Chechnya: Roots of a Separatist Conflict", Stasys Knezys' and Romanas Sedlickas' "The War in Chechnya", and Anatol Lieven's "Chechnya: Tombstone of Russian Power". The review synthesizes the main theme of the demise of Russian nationalism.

Abstract
The paper discusses how widespread disillusionment with communism, the chronic weakness of the Soviet economy, and the cumulative effect of government incompetence, cronyism, and corruption were the main factors that led to the fall of the USSR in 1991, despite the reforms instituted by Mikhail Gorbachev. The paper explains that he considered his glasnost and perestroika reforms to be a dramatic departure from the failed policies of his Kremlin predecessors, but most Soviet citizens scorned them as far too inadequate to address the overwhelming problems facing the USSR. The paper discusses how they were weary of the pervasive communist propaganda they had been subjected to for decades as five-year-plan followed five-year-plan while their standard of living kept declining.

From the Paper
"Widespread disillusionment with communism, the chronic weakness of the Soviet economy, and the cumulative effect of government incompetence, cronyism, and corruption were the main factors that led to the fall of the USSR in 1991, despite the reforms instituted by Mikhail Gorbachev. He considered his glasnost and perestroika reforms to be a dramatic departure from the failed policies of his Kremlin predecessors, but most Soviet..."

Tags:ethnic, conflict, caucasus

Abstract
This paper explains that, because of its geographical position between East and West, Lithuania has been destroyed many times by being caught between the Swedes, the French, and the Germans on the one side, and the Russians on the other side. The author points out that, in the 1990s, Lithuania went through a dynamic transition from a centralized economy into a market-driven economy. The goal was to orient the economy towards trade with Western Europe and North America. The paper relates that, in relations with Western Europe and the United States, Lithuania has two main objectives: economic cooperation and attracting Western capital and security guarantees against any threat from Russia.

Table of Contents
Geopolitical Position
General Statistics
Political Culture
Political System
Domestic Policy
Economy
Foreign Relations

From the Paper
"Lithuania is an independent republic. It is a multi-party, parliamentary democracy. The president, who is the head of the state, is elected directly for 5 years. He is also commander in chief overseeing foreign and security policy. The president nominates the prime minister and his cabinet and a number of other top civil servants. The Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) has 141 members that are elected for a 4-year term. 71 of the members are elected in single constituencies, and the other half (70) are elected in the nationwide vote by party lists. To be represented in the Seimas a party must receive at least 5% of the national vote."

Tags:position, economy, cooperation, guarantees, trans-caucasus

Abstract
This essay provides a quick overview of Armenian immigration and life in the United States with a special focus on the Armenian community in Philadelphia.

From the Paper
"Survivors of centuries of persecution, Armenians have found safe haven in the United States and have prospered. Despite their success and their contributions to American life, Armenians remain a relatively unknown ethnic group. To be sure, Armenians in the United States are few in number when compared to such groups as the Irish and Italians, but their story is unique and deserves to be told."

Tags:caucasus, mountains, euphrates, river, cilicia, mediterranean, coast, turkey, massacres