The Caucasus is among the world's most divided and incoherent regions. Its three republics — Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia — failed to learn from similarly linked groups of countries, such as the Benelux countries and the Baltic states, which, despite their historical grievances and political differences, united to achieve their common goals of stability, prosperity and democracy.

Is it too late for the Caucasus to change course?

To be sure, when the Russian Empire disintegrated after World War I, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia formed a confederation to face the threats posed by Turkish encroachment from the west, and Soviet incursions from the north. But after a few months, each went its own way as an independent state. Two years later, all were absorbed into the Soviet Union.