Russia’s operational control over Armenia’s air defences makes it certain that the Russian military will scrutinize this technology and perhaps even appropriate it. French–British Diplomatic Rivalry over the CenturiesFrance’s historical geopolitical rivalry with Britain is an underestimated driver of its actions in the South Caucasus. France’s involvement in Armenia is, in addition to its other motives, also a manifestation of the Fashoda syndrome. Via Armenia, France has simply devised a way to add the South Caucasus to its portfolio of anti-Turkish dossiers. With a foothold in Armenia, France can also thwart any budding Armenia–Azerbaijan rapprochement.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 05, 2023 14:05 UTC