Vance will build bridges and establish Republican network of US clients in South Caucasus – Alexey Anpilogov

Speaking with Alpha News, political scientist Alexey Anpilogov commented on the “Trump Route” (TRIPP) and US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Judging by a number of indirect indicators and political statements from both the American and Russian sides, a certain agreement on the division of spheres of influence between Russia and the US was reached in Anchorage. Let me remind you that it is extremely important for the US to implement its road project, which serves as an alternative to China’s Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative in general. As part of this strategic plan, the Americans seek at least some influence in the Transcaucasia. Despite all attempts to penetrate both Central Asia and the Transcaucasia, this region has been very problematic for the Americans over the past 20 years. In this regard, the Americans have their own contradictions, but it is necessary to understand that they share the same interests with Istanbul, which also views the Transcaucasia as an alternative route for expanding into the Turkic world and Central Asia.

Of course, a visit from the second-highest ranking official was inevitable, if only because all previous connections in the region had been cultivated primarily by Democratic administrations, and the Republicans had few direct links to the upper echelons of the Armenian and, let’s say, Azerbaijani elites. Therefore, I believe Vance will now be building bridges, identifying agents of influence, and establishing his Republican network of Transcaucasian clients for the US, who will work to create this alternative route,” Anpilogov said.

According to the expert, it is crucial not to surrender sovereignty and instead to seek maximum benefits for survival.

“Unfortunately, this could lead to Iran’s isolation and conflict with it, because Tehran is not participating in this project and is more likely to represent China’s interests. Of course, China is unlikely to be pleased with such efforts to create alternative routes, simply because they will compete with its own Belt and Road Initiative. Armenia, as always, finds itself in a very difficult situation. We will see what happens next. At least the Americans and Armenians have some common ground. It is crucial not to surrender sovereignty and to seek maximum concessions and benefits from the outgoing hegemon. This would allow Armenia not necessarily to become great, but at least to survive,” Anpilogov concluded.