“One of the aims of this Report is to shed light on a region which is under-reported and little understood by outsiders. A second, but potentially even more important aim, is to describe the conditions for majorities and minorities within the South Caucasus region and to encourage them to work together to overcome their differences and to build on what they have in common. This second aim is of particular significance when we consider the rise of nationalism in the South Caucasus. Just over a decade ago Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – formerly part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) – became independent states. With this, ethnic affiliations, which have traditionally been strong in the Caucasus, were reinforced and entrenched. Nationalism led to the ideologies, and often religions and languages of the dominant or titular groups, being seen as the norm, with minority communities being overlooked or marginalized.” – Publisher’s description
