It Has to Be Said: Shifting Regional Order

2026-03-10 - 12:54

The regional order in the South Caucasus is shifting. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s back-to-back visits to Yerevan and Baku, following the Washington Accords and the launch of TRIPP, signal a new phase of U.S. engagement in the region. Major defense, nuclear and technology agreements are reshaping strategic calculations. But peace cannot be built on imbalance. Nearly five years after Azerbaijani forces crossed into internationally recognized Armenian territory, key issues remain unresolved: occupation, detainees and the absence of an unequivocal recognition of Armenia’s territorial integrity. In this episode, Maria Titizian breaks down what the new U.S. role means, and what still stands in the way of durable peace. In this episode: • What Vance’s visit signals about shifting regional power • The significance of the defense, nuclear and AI agreements • The strategic implications of TRIPP • Why unresolved occupation and detainee issues remain central to peace Also read Strategic Partnerships in Motion: J.D. Vance in Armenia and Azerbaijan Sossi Tatikyan Feb 13, 2026 J.D. Vance’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan signaled a deeper U.S. role in the South Caucasus, with new defense and nuclear agreements, AI cooperation and TRIPP connectivity. The parallel tracks pursued in both capitals raise important questions about balance, leverage and the future architecture of peace in the region. Sossi Tatikian explains. Read more