Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Volume 26 Issue 3
Author: Giuliano Bifolchi

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia-Alania, and Chechnya underscores the strategic importance of the North Caucasus in Moscow’s domestic and foreign policy, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The visit included discussions on socio-economic developments and counter-terrorism efforts. This report assesses the geopolitical and economic significance of the North Caucasus in the current Russian strategy, considering the dynamics of local governance, regional security, and foreign policy implications.

This report is based on previous analyses by SpecialEurasia and incorporates insights from local and international media and official statements.

Key Findings

1. Putin’s visit signals the North Caucasus’s critical role in Russia’s strategy, particularly in reinforcing domestic stability.
2. The region remains a focal point for socio-economic development, with significant investment in infrastructure, education, and military capabilities, despite ongoing security challenges.
3. Chechnya’s growing prominence in Russian military and foreign policy highlights the strategic utility of the region, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict and Moscow’s broader geopolitical objectives.

Background Information

President Putin’s visit to the North Caucasus followed his official trip to Azerbaijan, reflecting the region’s increasing importance in Russia’s broader strategic calculus.

In Kabardino-Balkaria, Putin inspected agricultural developments and discussed the country’s progress with local officials. Economic indicators show a positive trend, with significant growth in industrial production, agriculture, and construction. Investments have also surged, driven by national projects and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing living standards and infrastructure.

In North Ossetia-Alania, Putin paid tribute to the victims of the 2004 Beslan terrorist attack, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the region. This visit underscored the continued relevance of counter-terrorism efforts in maintaining stability.

In Chechnya, discussions with regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov centred on the socio-economic stability of the republic, its military capabilities, and its growing role in Russia’s geopolitical strategy.

Russian President also visited the Russian University of Special Forces (RUS) in Gudermes, an autonomous non-profit organisation of additional professional education founded in 2013. This is the first and currently the only private educational institution in Russia for training personnel for special forces. RUS trains specialists in various disciplines of tactical and special training, which include firefighting, special tactics, airborne operations, mountain operations, diving, security, military medical training, dog training, engineering, automotive training, IT training, and military journalism. Since 2022, RUS has trained over 47 thousand specialists (19 thousand are volunteers) who participated or are participating in the Ukraine conflict.

Why Does It Matter?

The North Caucasus occupies a crucial position in Russia’s geopolitical strategy because of its location, which serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and its role as a frontier between the Christian and Muslim worlds.

This region’s strategic significance has been further amplified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where the North Caucasian republics, particularly Chechnya, have played a significant role. Chechen forces, under Kadyrov, have become integral to Russian military operations, bolstering Moscow’s efforts both domestically and in the international arena.

Chechnya’s role in Moscow’s foreign policy extends beyond military contributions. Grozny has emerged as a key player in Russia’s diplomatic engagements with the Arab-Muslim world, leveraging its unique cultural and religious ties to enhance Moscow’s influence in the Middle East and North Africa. This is evident in initiatives such as the Gudermes military training centre, which not only prepares Russian forces but also serves as a tool for fostering relations with Gulf Arab states.

Economically, the North Caucasus has seen substantial investments, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education. However, despite these developments, the region continues to face significant challenges. Persistent socio-economic disparities, political marginalisation, and the threat of Islamist radicalism pose ongoing risks to stability. The North Caucasus’s economic growth, while notable, remains heavily dependent on federal subsidies and investment projects, making it vulnerable to external shocks and policy shifts.

The terrorist attack in Dagestan in June 2024 stressed that, even though the increasing regional security and economic development, the North Caucasus is not immune from the terrorist threats. Indeed, the region presents a complex security environment, characterised by a history of insurgency, terrorism, and ethnoreligious tensions.

While Russian security forces have made strides in curbing the influence of extremist groups, the underlying socio-economic grievances that fuel radicalisation remain unaddressed. The presence of global jihadist ideologies in the region, coupled with local nationalist movements, continues to pose a significant risk to regional stability.

From an economic perspective, the North Caucasus’s heavy reliance on federal support and its limited diversification make it susceptible to economic downturns and shifts in Moscow’s policy priorities. The emphasis on large-scale investment projects, while beneficial in the short term, may not address the long-term need for sustainable, locally driven economic development. This dependency could lead to increased socio-political unrest if federal support diminishes.

The North Caucasus holds significant implications for Russia’s domestic stability and its ability to project power internationally. Putin, while at the RSU, highlighted how the region exemplifies Russia’s multi-confessional and multiethnic nature. He emphasised the significance of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnocultural background, contributing to the nation.

Putin’s words are a reminder of the Kremlin’s strategy and confirm the importance of guarantee stability and harmonise the life of North Caucasian citizens in the country, since the region’s key role in the Kremlin’s national and international strategy.

In conclusion, Putin’s visit to the North Caucasus, following his official visit to Baku, underscores the Kremlin’s strategic commitment to strengthening its influence in the Caucasus region and countering foreign interference, particularly from the United States in Armenia. By leveraging the North Caucasus and deepening cooperation with Azerbaijan, Russia aims to bolster its International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), attract foreign investments in the region, enhance Turkey’s role as a natural gas hub, and solidify its foreign policy focus on the Caspian Sea basin and Central Asia.

For additional information and consultation regarding the North Caucasus and the Russian regional strategy, please reach out to us at info@specialeurasia.com. We offer services such as weekly reports and customised analysis upon request.