WASHINGTON, D.C. (Independence Avenue Media) – As the South Caucasus undergoes rapid political and strategic realignment, former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza offers his perspective on what’s driving change in the region — and what role the United States might play under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In an interview with Independence Avenue Media, Bryza reflects on the growing momentum toward a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He examines the implications of a proposed U.S.-operated transit corridor through Armenian territory — a plan he sees as shaped more by commercial interests than strategic design.
Bryza, a veteran diplomat with decades of experience in the region, also discusses the retreat of Russian influence in parts of the South Caucasus, the recalibration of Armenia’s foreign policy toward the West, and Turkey’s expanding role as a regional actor.
He voices concern over what he describes as a lack of strategic coherence in Washington’s current approach, suggesting the administration’s foreign policy is driven less by long-term objectives and more by transactional opportunities.
The conversation also touches on Georgia’s uncertain place in this shifting landscape, as Bryza warns that the country’s democratic backsliding and strained ties with Western partners are eroding its position as a reliable bridge between Europe and the wider region.
This interview, recorded on July 18, 2025, was edited for length and clarity.