France's Strategic Calculations in the South Caucasus: Unraveling the Motives Behind Paris’ Support for Armenia

By: H. Zaïm-Bashi

However, it is essential to discern that the November 15 resolution has not only amplified France's involvement in the Caucasus region but also provided a pretext for its continued engagement in the volatile region. To comprehend the significance of the November 15 resolution, it is crucial to examine its contents.

On this date, the French Senate overwhelmingly approved a resolution, garnering 295 votes in favor, urging the government to impose sanctions on the Republic of Azerbaijan due to the attacks against Armenia in September 2022. This resolution outlined two main political objectives: firstly, it called for the deployment of international forces in the border areas of Armenia, citing the necessity to bolster Armenia's defense capabilities and ensure security within internationally recognized borders.

Secondly, it sought to intervene in Azerbaijan's internal affairs through collaboration with Armenia and the Armenians living in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Specifically, the resolution denounced Baku’s control over the Lachin Corridor and emphasized the imperative to maintain the status quo while urging Azerbaijan to withdraw from the points it occupied.

Since the adoption of this resolution, France has endeavored to boost its presence in Nagorno-Karabakh, and this has strained relations between France and Azerbaijan, undermining the provisions of their bilateral agreement dating back to 1993. Azerbaijani diplomats believe that France's persistent support for Armenia has contributed to the protracted conflict, as Paris seeks to preserve its vested interests in the region.

In a recent development, the French Minister of Defense announced the deployment of anti-aircraft and radar systems to Armenia. This move has elicited criticism from Azerbaijani authorities. On the other hand, observers concur that such actions demonstrate that France's engagement in the region has been guided not solely by its interest in the Armenian people and its membership in the Minsk Group but rather by a predetermined framework based on its own strategic interests. Paris has consistently sought to strengthen its global geopolitical clout independently of NATO and the European Union, thus rendering heightened support to Armenia.

As a matter of fact, today it became evident that France's interests in perpetuating tensions between Baku and Yerevan stem from its broader objectives within the context of the French-Turkish confrontation in the Mediterranean. Armenia serves as a convenient tool to exert pressure on Ankara while simultaneously influencing Russia. This calculated approach aligns with France's pursuit of a new regional order in the Caucasus and the division of labor between Euro-American powers.

Over the years, the United States has sought to penetrate the surrounding areas of Iran, Russia, and China by fueling ethnic tensions and embroiling these nations in regional crises. In this regard, Washington has actively enlisted the support of European countries, particularly France, to advance its sinister goals.

In conclusion, it is essential to acknowledge that the Caucasus and Central Asia regions primarily fall under the control of Iran, Russia, and China, causing Western governments to harbor concerns regarding the strategic unity of these countries and thus the constraints imposed on their maneuverability in the oil-rich region. As the United States and the Israeli regime seem handicapped in confronting the Palestinian resistance, heightened tensions between Baku and Yerevan offer a potential opportunity for the West. However, it is crucial to recognize that the deep crisis faced by the West and the United States is more insurmountable than tensions like the long-standing Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict can have on the trajectory of the emerging world order, which aspires to be free from Western tyrannical hegemony.