Robert Kocharyan says U.S. has no fundamental interests in South Caucasus

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan claimed on Thursday that the United States has no fundamental economic or security interests in the South Caucasus, citing Washington’s newly released national security strategy.

“The old world order has collapsed, and a new one is being formed,” Kocharyan told a press conference, describing global geopolitical shifts as “extremely interesting processes.” He argued that the U.S. was dismantling the very system it had built.

According to Kocharyan, the American strategy acknowledges a multipolar world and signals a retreat from ideological hegemony. He said the document identifies China as Washington’s main rival, while leaving room for pragmatic relations with Russia. Europe, he added, was portrayed in terms that amounted to “degradation” both economically and in values.

“The document makes no mention of the South Caucasus. This indicates the U.S. has no fundamental interests here – neither economic nor security. That is the reality,” Kocharyan said.

Turning to Armenia’s position, the former president warned that the global environment had become more dangerous. “Armenia must do everything to ensure it does not become a hotspot of confrontation between superpowers,” he said.

“A skilled captain does not take his ship into the ocean during a storm, so as not to endanger the vessel and crew. This directly applies to the Republic of Armenia," Kocharyan added.