Since the success of the Iranian revolution under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran’s political activities became a divisive issue for the region. Iran’s combination of its nuclear aspiration with its continuous threats against Israel, its interference in foreign countries especially in Lebanon, and, later, with its support—together with Russia—of the Assad regime in Syria characterized a revolutionary and aggressive foreign policy. One must understand that it is that particular mix of aggressive elements of its foreign policy, in combination with its efforts to come as close as possible to acquiring nuclear weapons, which created or at least enhanced tensions and fears amidst the Middle East.

The South Caucasus has entered one of the most consequential periods in its modern history. After decades of armed confrontation, Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in an unprecedented normalization process that has raised realistic expectations for a formal peace treaty. At the same time, however, the region finds itself surrounded by escalating geopolitical turbulence - from instability involving Iran to broader disruptions across the Middle East and Eurasian transport routes. These developments place the South Caucasus at the intersection of peacebuilding, strategic trade competition, and regional security risks. While new opportunities are emerging, so too are vulnerabilities that could influence the implementation of Armenian-Azerbaijani peace and the future of the Middle Corridor.

How can and should we define culture when we are discussing its possible contribution to the European project? Culture—and especially the arts like movies, theater performances, novels, visual arts, community projects—should not be forced to take the one or the other form of expression. Art must be free to limit itself to bring enjoyment and pleasure to the people.  But in relations to our subject, we should use a definition of culture as a generally open-minded, often ambivalent, extravagant and even provocative contribution to forming and transforming society. Culture is in this respect closely linked to the arts and we should be aware, that it is also an elitist ‘project’. Even as it has an elitist background, it can be presented and used to win the attention and support of a wider public and by this have an important political effect.