Robert Cutler: France may be looking for new role for itself in South Caucasus, challenging Russia

France may well be looking for a new role for itself in the South Caucasus, challenging Russia, Dr. Robert M. Cutler, a senior researcher at Carleton University's Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, told Report.

"France may well be looking for a new role for itself in the South Caucasus, challenging Russia, trying to outflank Türkiye, and in opposition to the United Kingdom, which Paris sees as influential in Azerbaijan due to BP's long presence in the energy sector there," he said.

According to Cutler, Armenians in the diaspora, together with some in Armenia, continue to believe that they can influence Azerbaijan.

"Given Russia's diminished influence in Georgia and the understanding that Azerbaijan will maintain a balanced approach, Armenians in the diaspora—joined by some in Armenia and newly motivated by elite French political circles—look to Armenia as an entry-point for that wedge. Disillusioned with Russia in this regard, they are now seeking to agitate the US and EU against Azerbaijan. Some of this sentiment is fueled by an animosity against ethnic Turks, regardless where they live. These inclinations are now influenced by the French initiative, which leapt into view with the signature of the contract for arms sales to Armenia," Cutler said.