RAND's divisions conduct research on a uniquely broad front for clients around the globe.
Commentary
Apr 27, 2026
Pivotal parliamentary elections are coming in June, and Armenia's young democracy faces a stirring test between the ghosts of its history and a hopeful bet on a stable future.
Jan 12, 2026
The peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan is fragile, and the geopolitics of the region are evolving. How might the West help promote a lasting peace in the South Caucasus?
Aug 5, 2025
China is building an influence ecosystem in the Black Sea region—often through ties with Russia—deepening leverage and shaping regional alignments using infrastructure, trade, and political ties.
Mar 14, 2024
The United States and its European allies cannot be everything Armenia wants and needs from a foreign partner. The West should recognize and accept Armenia's multi-alignment and focus on areas where it is comparatively able and willing to deepen ties and foster stability.
Feb 17, 2023
Unless Russian forces are defeated in Ukraine or withdrawn by new Kremlin rulers, Moscow might assault other post-Soviet neighbors. The West may face limits on the extent to which it could help them thwart such attacks.
Expert Insights
Oct 8, 2019
The authors of this volume offer a proposal for a revised regional order in post-Soviet Europe and Eurasia that would boost security, facilitate prosperity, and address conflicts in the region, and thus reduce tensions in Russia-West relations.
Jun 13, 2018
This Perspective proposes a new approach to the regional order in post-Soviet Europe and Eurasia that would foster greater stability in the region and reduce dangerous tensions in Russia-West relations.
Mar 8, 2018
The perspectives collected in these conference proceedings explore alternatives to the current approaches to the regional order for the states "in between" the West and Russia -- Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Research
Jan 15, 2018
Religion has become increasingly important in the sociopolitical life of countries in the former Soviet Union. This volume of essays examines how religion affects conflict and stability in the region and provides recommendations to policymakers.
Jul 28, 2015
In implementing the prospective Iran nuclear agreement, the West cannot forget its engagement in the vulnerable South Caucasus. The Iran deal changes the equation for all three countries and perhaps opens new opportunities.
Jan 16, 2015
Cheaper oil, government interference, and market dynamics jeopardize the future of Russian and Caspian energy. To be globally competitive, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan should let the private sector play a greater role and make more decisions on commercial, rather than political grounds.
Jan 1, 1995
The crisis in Azerbaijan : how clans influence the politics of an emerging republic
