In recent years, several processes on the US foreign policy agenda have often been viewed separately — within the context of the South Caucasus, the Middle East, or Central Asia. However, as political analyst and head of the Armenian Center for American Studies Suren Sargsyan notes, these developments are in fact part of a much broader and interconnected strategy. The Abraham Accords and the new political platform forming around them are key elements of this approach.
What the Abraham Accords Really Mean
According to Sargsyan, the Abraham Accords were originally created with a single purpose: to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states. This process was intended to ease long-standing conflicts and create a foundation for new forms of regional cooperation.
Over time, however, the political logic of the accords began to expand. They were no longer limited to Israel’s relations with the Arab world. Instead, they evolved into a broader tool aimed at helping Israel build relations with other Islamic countries as well.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan
In this context, the mention of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is particularly noteworthy. Sargsyan points out that both countries already maintain strong and stable relations with Israel. This raises an important question: why do these states appear in the processes developing around the Abraham Accords?
According to the analyst, it is clear that the issue now goes beyond simple bilateral normalization. Within this framework, the United States is effectively creating a broader regional platform. It brings together different states, including Azerbaijan — the wealthiest country in the South Caucasus — and Kazakhstan, one of the most economically developed states in Central Asia.
The US Game: Beyond the South Caucasus
Sargsyan argues that these developments demonstrate that the United States is not limiting its actions to the South Caucasus alone. Washington operates within a far more global strategic logic. It seeks to connect the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia into a single strategic chain.
Within this broader picture, the so-called “Greater Turan” project occupies a distinct place. According to the analyst, the primary objective of such initiatives is to create a counterweight to the influence of Russia and China.
Turkey as a Key Element of the Counterbalance
Sargsyan notes that, in the context of balancing Russian and Chinese influence, Turkey plays a crucial role for the United States. Although Ankara is often described in Washington as a “difficult” or “problematic” ally, Turkey nevertheless remains a strategic partner for the US.
Based on this logic, the analyst believes that Washington will seek to keep Turkey within its sphere of influence. Most likely, it will succeed. In this framework, the Abraham Accords and the processes forming around them become not a local, but a global geopolitical instrument.