Historic Peace Summit Held for Armenia and Azerbaijan

An unprecedented peace deal seeks to transform the dynamics in the South Caucasus region.

Peace Summit Reframes South Caucasus Relations

In a significant move to end a long-standing conflict, US President Donald Trump has invited the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for talks at the White House. The summit aims to establish a new route, termed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, which seeks to improve connectivity between the two nations. This infrastructure project aims to address a core issue in their relationship while maintaining Armenia's sovereignty. Despite this potential breakthrough, challenges remain, particularly regarding the release of prisoners and constitutional amendments that both sides demand. This development signals the US's efforts to play a more central role in the South Caucasus, traditionally influenced by Russia and Iran.

The summit represents a critical pivot in diplomacy for the South Caucasus. The new commercial focus may leave previous security guarantees behind, positioning economic integration as a peacebuilding tool. This shift away from traditional defense frameworks could prove effective, yet it raises questions about the long-term commitment to democratic values in Azerbaijan amid concerns over human rights. While the summit is hailed as a step towards peace, observers remain wary of the implications it holds for the delicate balance of power in the region.

Highlights

The consequences of this summit may reshape regional dynamics for years to come.