In this challenging period for Georgia, as the country marks 17 years since the 2008 conflict which was Europe’s first war of the 21st century and while war continues in Ukraine, one of the most significant peace agreements in recent regional history was signed in Washington. The United States brokered an accord between Azerbaijan and Armenia that could become one of Donald Trump’s most notable foreign policy achievements and may strengthen his chances of securing the Nobel Peace Prize.
At the heart of the agreement is the U.S.-administered Zangezur transport corridor, officially named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP). This route will connect mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through southern Armenia. Nakhchivan borders Turkey, a close ally of Baku, making the corridor strategically significant for regional connectivity. Designed as a long-term infrastructure initiative, TRIPP aims to create an integrated transport network across the South Caucasus.
The agreement includes provisions for mutual recognition of borders, the restoration of diplomatic channels, and the development of cross-border infrastructure. These measures are intended to reduce transit delays, expand trade routes, and increase the region’s attractiveness to investment in logistics, energy, and communications.
Geopolitically, the change is notable. Historically, Russia was the primary mediator in Armenia–Azerbaijan relations. Under this new framework, Moscow is absent. The United States will take direct control over a strategic transport route, reducing the Kremlin’s leverage in the South Caucasus and expanding Western participation in regional infrastructure and security projects.
From Georgia’s perspective, the agreement carries broader implications. While public debate continues from multiple angles, in the wider geopolitical context the strengthening of Western influence in the South Caucasus should be viewed as a positive development. According to analysis by The Washington Examiner, Georgia’s benefits would not be limited to the economy. In a stable environment, the country’s Black Sea ports, railway network, and energy infrastructure could see increased demand and revenue. More importantly, the deal weakens Russia’s direct influence in the South Caucasus — a region where conflicts have long been fueled or prolonged by Moscow’s political and military involvement. A shift in this trend could lay the foundation for a more stable era, making a clear pro-Western course not only a strategic choice for Georgia, but an essential condition for its security and development.
The long-term impact of the agreement will depend on consistent implementation and regional cooperation. If these conditions are met, the accord could serve not only to stabilize Armenia–Azerbaijan relations, but also to alter trade dynamics, reduce reliance on Russian mediation, and open new economic and security opportunities for Georgia.
In August 2008, Russia launched a full-scale military invasion into Georgia, marking Europe’s first conventional war of the 21st century. Seventeen years later, the occupation continues, and the international community still recognizes Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region as Georgian territory.
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