Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys close and amicable relations with small and Christian Republic of Armenia. On THE contrary, THE ties between Iran and seemingly significant Shia Republic of Azerbaijan are frayed. While Tehran’s close relationship with Yerevan is widely attributed to geographical and economic isolation of Armenia, Iran-Azerbaijan unfriendly relations have stemmed from suspicion and lack of trust. From a historical perspective, Iran Russia special relations are based on rivalry between Russia and Western powers, raTHEr than real and common interests between THEse two neighbors. Russia that still has a significant influence on THE SOUTH CAUCASUS region tries to limit Iran’s economic influence in Armenia and Georgia. Moreover, Armenia’s efforts to enhance its foreign relations with THE West and Russia signal that Tehran may not rely on its long-term close ties with Yerevan.

THE SOUTH CAUCASUS is a very important region that has a significant place in THE geopolitical landscape of THE 21st century. THE wars in Ukraine and Karabagh provided a unique opportunity for Türkiye to review its new strategic perspective. Following THE implementation of THE trust-building project with Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, Turkey has adopted a multifaceted strategy to establish stability and balance. THE current research, by applying THE constructivist THEory, seeks to answer THE question, what are THE economic, political and military goals of Turkey in THE countries of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia? THE findings of THE research show that Turkey has a multifaceted strategy to achieve economic goals (access to THE consumer market, investment and mastery of energy lines and ensuring energy security), political and strategic (expanding THE sphere of strategic influence and geopolitical in THE region and THE international environment) and military and security (changing THE military and security balance of THE region by providing assistance to strategic allies). THE result is that following THE change of geopolitical realities in THE CAUCASUS, Turkey is trying to increase its geopolitical weight in THE world by applying a multifaceted strategy while reducing THE role of its competitors, Russia and Iran in THE region and by finding a way to improve relations with Armenia. Change and promote international multipolar order.

Transitioning from conflicts has a direct relationship with gender equality in THE peacebuilding.This means that just as war affect THE lives of all human beings Justice requires that all people participate in THE process of establishing peace.THE use of women in terrorist organizations shows THE need to pay attention to this part of THE peace building process. Researchers believe that in many cases,THE failure in THE peace-making process is due to THE lack of presence of women in this process. THErefore, today peace and transition from conflicts is tied to gender equality. THE main question of this research is, how has THE effect of gender and women been on THE transition from conflicts in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS region in THE years after independence? THE evidence shows that THE women have been able to participate in THE processes of peace-building by strengTHEning THE perception of THEir outstanding role in this path along with THE change in THE views of THE post-independence political institutions regarding THEir ability. However, a mixture of strong dominance of patriarchal institutions on THE society, lack of self-confidence in women and little effect of informal organizations on THE peacebuilding and peacekeeping processes in this region have caused women to still not achieve THEir true position in THE process of creating a post-conflict society.Examining THE role of women in THE transition from THE post-independence conflicts in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS in THE context of THE THEoretical literature of gender, war and peace with Analytical-Descriptive and Historical methods confirms this hypoTHEsis.

After THE collapse of Soviet Union, SOUTH CAUCASUS has been THE ground of different kinds of threats and security challenges. THE most important security challenges in SOUTH CAUCASUS include ethnic and territorial conflicts, political instability, lack of economic and social development, transnational threats, organized crime, and finally THE competition of regional and trans-regional powers. THE existence of THEse challenges has provided a security complexity in CAUCASUS and has prevented THE establishment of stability and peace in this region. THE main question in this study is: How can we employ THE main components of THE security complex including polarity, social construct, state's nature, boundary and anarchy in SOUTH CAUCASUS? Assumption is that THE components of regional security complex can be applied in SOUTH CAUCASUS because of its security interdependence, this region would be considered independence from Russia regional security complex.  THE Firstly, an attempt has been made to assess THE genealogy of THE security complex THEory. THEn, a survey has been done to see wheTHEr this complex is a sub complex of Russia security complex or it is an independent one, using THE framework of boundaries concept. Finally, THE components of security complex THEory are applied in SOUTH CAUCASUS using an "Explanation and Positivism" methodology.

Extended AbstractIntroductionGeopolitics is a product of its time and its definitions have evolved accordingly. Geopolitics is defined as THE study of THE interrelationships of geography, power, politics and THE actions resulting from THEm. Geopolitics is a study that combines human geography and applied political science, which dates back to THE times of Aristotle, Montesquieu and Kant. Geopolitics is THE analysis of power competition over land. In many cases, THE territories are objectively devoid of economic or strategic usefulness. THE credibility that is considered for representations in geopolitical analysis, in turn, causes THE expansion of THE field of geography. Geopolitics has taken different approaches and definitions with historical periods and with THE change of THE global geopolitical system. MethodologyTHE present research is descriptive-analytical and has both applied and THEoretical objectives.THE required sources and information for this research have been collected throughdocumentary and library research, utilizing books, scientific articles, and reputable websites(governmental, non-governmental, news agencies, etc.). Results and DiscussionTHE Islamic Republic of Iran has always tried to have a balanced policy towards its neighbors and in this direction, it has tried to solve THE differences between THE parties. THErefore, THE issue of Iran's interest in creating peace towards its neighbors is not a new issue and has been on Iran's agenda since THE past. If we take THE priority of Iran's foreign policy in THE region based on security issues, in order to maintain its security and territorial integrity and consequently THE security of its surrounding environment, Iran must seek stability in its borders and surrounding countries, if THE priority of its policies consider THE regional economic interests, economic stability, regional stability is a prerequisite for any extensive economic relations. Iran's view of THE SOUTH CAUCASUS region was also a result of THEse two priorities. ConclusionDue to its geopolitical location, SOUTH CAUCASUS has always been very important for Iran's national security. As a regional power, Iran attaches special importance and priority to THE SOUTH CAUCASUS region in its security policy. This policy is based on two realistic and pragmatic factors based on national interests and geopolitical considerations. Iran is trying to create a security structure based on factors such as border security, territorial integrity, national unity, stability and economic development. From Iran's point of view, this region is facing numerous threats and challenges in terms of security, and it is necessary to ensure security and maintain regional stability, THE cooperation of all countries in THE region without THE interference and presence of powers outside THE region. THE crisis-causing geopolitical factors of THE SOUTH CAUCASUS have brought THE continuation of tension-causing factors in THE region and led to THE presence of regional and extra-regional powers in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. For this reason, Iran as an important regional power, considering THE possibility of exerting influence in THE region, THE following factors should be taken into consideration as factors affecting geopolitical goals and approaches: -CAUCASUS region is considered to be Iran's geopolitical complement and Iran's strategic depth. On THE one hand, due to critical points such as Karabagh, which is located next to THE geographical borders of Iran, and on THE oTHEr hand, due to identity reasons, THEre is a possibility of spreading ethnic conflicts in THE norTHErn regions of Iran. -CAUCASUS is THE entry way to European countries and can contribute to THE variety of transportation and transit points. Iran is closer to Europe through THE SOUTH CAUCASUS borders and can reduce its dependence on Türkiye's communication routes. On THE oTHEr hand, THE CAUCASUS Ring is THE connection between THE Black Sea and THE Caspian Sea. with Turkey; So that THE two countries of Iran and Turkey can improve THEir hydropolitical relations with each oTHEr in Arvandroud and Aras basins with a conciliatory approach. In general, it can be concluded that THE process and apparatus of water diplomacy in THE hydropolitical relations between Iran and Iraq in THE transboundary river basin of Arvandroud since 1847 AD. So far it has been passive. One of THE important reasons for this is 1) THE continuation of disputes over THE ownership of Arvandrod River; 2) Türkiye's indiscriminate dam constructions in THE upstream of THE basin; 3) decrease in river water quality; 4) Türkiye's instrumental view of water; 5) Intensification of THE fine dust crisis in Iran and Iraq; 6) THE deviation of THE river's path is indicated. FundingTHEre is no funding support. Authors’ ContributionAll of THE author approved THE content of THE manuscript and agreed on all aspects of THE work. Conflict of InterestAuthor declared no conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all THE scientific consultants of this paper.

In this paper, THE process of state-building in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS republics since THEir independence in 1991 until now has been studied. THEse countries have problems in THE state-building process would be difficult to solve, also Have to solve problems left over from THE communist era, Problems such as inefficient centralized economy and to fight cross-border ethnic issues, As a result, has been additional responsibility of leaders. While in THE past two decades have not achieved significant success in this area and suffer from incomplete penetration territorial, Separatism, Lack of integration, not solving identity crisis and also have suffered from inadequate institutional structure. THE countries of THE region despite common experience in unsuitable state-building process, each of THEm have shown different progress in this area. While THE Republic of Armenia take advantage of Opportunities such as more integrated identity and external support, have been shown better performance, Georgia with ethnic problems, war and separation 20% of its territory in THE weakest performance in this area has shown. However, Azerbaijan state has experienced numerous crises and still suffers from Weak democratic institutions, but because of THE Greater extent, more resources and population has a brighter future.  

THE CAUCASUS region is located between THE Black Sea and THE Caspian Sea in SOUTH of THE Russian Federation, north west of Iran and north east of Turkey.Geographical situation and strategic significance of THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, have turned it to one of THE most important parts of THE world. After several years since THE collapse of THE Soviet Union, this region is still important for Russians from THE aspects of political strategy, and regional interests. On THE oTHEr hand, given THE power vacuum created in THE region following THE dissolution of THE Soviet Union, THE United States attempts to extend its influence in THE region through economic investment, particularly in THE field of energy and boost military cooperation with THE regional countries. THE US also competes with THE Russian Federation as THE region's traditional power. In an atmosphere of THE US-Russia geostrategic competition and possibility of waging a Cold War between THEse two countries, THE new structure of THE US-Russia relations, particularly following THE events of September 11, casts a shadow over issues of internal foundations of Georgia's Rose Revolution and THE Russia's war with Georgia. This article seeks to find out reasons behind US-Russia rivalry in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS and attempts to disclose THE objectives of this competition.

THE evolution of human rights standards in today’s globalized world has given rise to THE issue of women’s rights and gender equality. In today’s world where THE role of women in social and economic life is increasing, THE issue of gender equality is becoming increasingly important. One of THE most important steps taken by THE Soviet government was to carry out fundamental reforms to improve THE social status of women. An action that began in 1918 but in practice failed to improve THE situation of women. THE revolutionary government succeeded in increasing women’s employment and participation in THE national economy but failed to achieve women’s equality. In THE post-Soviet period, THE situation of women, in general, did not change. In this article, we discuss THE socio-political empowerment of women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. After reviewing THE status of women in THE Soviet Union, we will look at THE post-Soviet period and THE position of women in THE region in THE political, cultural, economic, educational, and health dimensions within THE conceptual framework of empowerment of women. THE main question is what is THE situation of women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS today? THE findings of this study show that THE situation of women in this region in terms of political, social, cultural, educational, and health rights is close to international standards but has not been fully realized.In THE post-Soviet period, in most of THE newly independent states in THE CAUCASUS, THEre is little evidence of an improvement in THE status of women, but in some areas, THE status of women has deteriorated since THE Soviet era. In this article, we examine THE situation of women in THE Soviet Union in 1917-1991 and THE post-Soviet period in 1991-1999 in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. We first look at THE situation of women in THE Soviet Union in general and THEn at THE situation of women in THE three newly independent countries in terms of political, cultural, economic, educational, and health criteria. THE question of this research is what is THE situation of women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS today? One of THE THEoretical topics that are widely considered and used today is THE issue of women’s empowerment. THE situation of women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS is examined in this article in THE context of this discussion. Empowering women strengTHEns THEir social, economic, cultural, and political status. When women have income and financial security, THEy gain power and self-confidence. THEy create accessible economic growth by creating new jobs as well as expanding THE talents and human resources available in a country. Employed women are THE new drivers of sustainable growth in developing countries. THE most important challenges for women’s empowerment are; Increasing access and control of resources, equal property rights, increasing political participation. This concept of women’s empowerment is rooted in THE human empowerment approach, where individuals can make decisions about THEir area of function, where THEy can feel like a valuable part. We now turn to THE situation of women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, taking into account THE various aspects of empowerment mentioned above.In sum, THE measures taken by THE Soviet government were to ensure THE real equality of women with men in society, in cultural life, and production. Social development in THE Soviet Union aimed at building a classless society by increasing interest in THE needs of every human being was concerned with THE problems of personal well-being and cultural development. THE protection of women, as a prominent factor in THE Soviet government’s general social policy, was designed to integrate THEm into THE socialist system, but that government failed to ensure gender equality. What happened in practice was THE emphasis on using THE productive labor force of women and raising THE birth rate in THE service of THE increasing population for industrial development and strengTHEning THE Soviet military. Gender equality and THE promotion of a decent attitude towards women were not among THE priorities of THE Soviet political elite, as oTHEr goals such as political survival and rapid industrialization took precedence. Eventually, Gorbachev’s reform plans - THE last attempt at THE relative success of THE Soviet system - failed. Women faced structural discrimination during THE Soviet era. In THE post-Soviet period, THE transition from a totalitarian government to a democratic and free-market government worsened THE situation of women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. Today, THEre is no national policy to address THE situation of women. THE government has not attempted to change this situation because it sees gender equality as an issue that was addressed during THE Soviet era. Lack of effective mechanisms to ensure THE proper implementation of laws leads to discrimination against women in all areas. Although men and women are equal in THE Constitution of THE Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, THEre are no strong mechanisms for achieving this in THE daily life of Armenian society. Women in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS have little activity in THE economy or politics. Women’s participation in politics is limited due to social and economic pressures including childcare, lack of financial resources, opportunities, and capacities. Traditionally, women have preferred social work to politics. In both countries THEre is a traditional view of THE presence of women in society; A view that wants more women at home and away from social, cultural, and political activities. In general, in THE post-Soviet period in THE countries of THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, to date, THEre is little evidence of THE development of democracy and THE improvement of THE status of women, but in some areas, such as employment, THE situation of women has worsened since THE Soviet era. Improving THE status of women requires political will, financial resources, a change in attitudes toward THE status of women in society, a strong civil society, active political parties, and public awareness. This path has not yet been implemented in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, despite minor constitutional changes.

Introduction: THE Second Karabakh War resulted in a significant shift in THE regional balance of power, as Russia and Turkey increased THEir influence to shape THE changing geopolitics of THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. Since THE collapse of THE Soviet Union, Iran’s policy in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS has been based on preventing a full-scale war and maintaining THE status quo in THE region especially in THE context of THE Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, Tehran has never presented an initiative to mitigate geopolitical disputes or promote economic integration in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. At THE THEoretical level, THE idea of regionalism in Iran’s foreign policy has usually been discussed from three perspectives: security-geopolitical, geo-economic and identity-civilizational. At THE practical level, THE main challenge for Iranian regionalism over THE past four decades has been to create a balance between THEse divergent approaches. In a general view, THE second war in Nagorno-Karabakh actually required THE renewal of major geostrategic structures in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. While regional stakeholders such as Turkey and Russia aspired for a greater role through THEir operational-diplomatic initiatives, Tehran's passive response to regional geopolitical change made it clear that Iran had no strategic vision to shape THEse developments. As a result of THE weak engagement, Iran is sidelined in emerging geopolitics of THE SOUTH CAUCASUS in strategic terms.Research Question: THE purpose of this article is to explain THE reasons for THE lack of regionalism in Iran's foreign policy in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. THE main question is; what factors are at play in explaining Iran’s regionalism in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS? How can we understand THE reasons behind Iran's lack of regionalism in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS in a systematic way?Research HypoTHEsis: This paper presents two interrelated arguments by providing a multi-level explanation. First, THE Systemic pressures and lack of strategic vision of regionalism in foreign policy have isolated Iran in its neighboring regions. Second, THE relative dominance of THE security-geopolitical approach and at THE same time, THE centrality of THE Arab Middle East to Iran’s regional policy, has increasingly marginalized oTHEr neighboring regions especially THE SOUTH CAUCASUS.Methodology (and THEoretical Framework if THEre are): In order to explain THE main idea of THE research, this article uses THE analytical method of inductive-deductive reasoning. An Inductive- deductive mixed reasoning has been used in this article and it is tried to take advantage of THE collected data in order to achieve a proper pattern for analyzing THE status and implications of Iran’s regionalism in THE SOUTH Caucuses.  In THE prism of latest developments in THEoretical literature of Regionalism, this article frames its main contribution by highlighting this main THEoretical argument; Contrary to Western-oriented approaches, today THE concept and requirements of regionalism are significantly different with regions and regionalism taking a quasi-autonomous role in shaping regional policies and in addressing different issues and areas with THE rise of new actors and alliances in THE regions. Results and Discussion: In THE aftermath of THE 2020 Karabakh war, emerging geopolitical realities convinced Iran to start rearranging its foreign policy in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS and abandon its traditional policy of neutrality. Although THE regionalism projects proposed by oTHErs could be a favorable ground for Tehran to strengTHEn cooperation with all stakeholders in THE region, THE major trend of Iran's foreign policy towards regionalism in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS is not yet visible on THE horizon.  In THE meantime, while Iran has a raTHEr open view toward THE regionalist projects presented by Russia and Turkey, it views Western proposals as potential drivers of divergence raTHEr than convergence aimed, among oTHEr things, at isolating Iran in its neighboring regions. Although THE collapse of THE Soviet Union had provided a significant space for regional powers to play an active role in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, Iran's engagement in this region and its relations with its neighbors have been limited. Except for Armenia, which has real political reasons in maintaining THE balance in THE conflict with Azerbaijan over Karabakh, Iran has not had close relations with THE Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia. In a general look, Iran's foreign policy in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS has been mostly passive and a security-oriented approach. Over THE last decades, Western powers, THE US in particular, have made an increasing effort to securitize Iran’s regional behavior in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS. By adopting THE “everything without Iran policy”, THE United States has sought to weaken Iran's role in transit corridors, energy transits and even cultural initiatives. Under THE influence of THE West's comprehensive Iranophobia policy, in order to weaken Iran’s strategic connections with its neighbors, a security and aggressive image of Iran's foreign policy has been portrayed in THE eyes of its Caucasian neighbors especially Azerbaijan and Georgia.Conclusion: Given THE transition in THE international system and THE importance of regions in THE structure of global governance, THE development of cooperation with neighbors and active regionalism in THE neighboring regions, especially THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, is gradually becoming a strategic necessity in THE foreign policy of THE Islamic Republic of Iran. Despite this, Iran is facing many international and domestic challenges in pursuing an active regionalism. Although THE Raeisi administration seeks to develop THE neighborhood policy and redefine THE role and strategic position of Iran in THE surrounding regions, it seems that at least in THE foreseeable future, Tehran is incapable of designing and implementing an active regionalist approach in THE SOUTH CAUCASUS independently.

One of THE most important forest trees in THE SOUTH of Kerman, which plays an important role in THE region's ecosystem and beekeeping industry and is infected by wood-eating beetles, is Prosopis cineraria. THEse trees are an important habitat for various animals and refreshing THE hot air of THE SOUTH. In THE sampling conducted during 1401-1400 from THE mesquite forests of souTHErn Kerman (Ghaleganj, Faryab, Anbarabad), THE wood-eating beetle Xylopertha reflexicauda (Bostrichidae) was collected for THE first time from Prosopis cineraria trees and is identified. THE species of wood-eating beetle was identified by reliable scientific sources and was finally confirmed by Mr. Dr. Len Yu Liu. This species was first identified and described by Lesne in 1937. Due to THE lack of water and recent droughts and THE weakness of Iranian mesquite trees, THE larvae of this beetle are active inside THE trunk and bark of mesquite trees and feed on THE wood and bark of tree trunks and cause great damage to Prosopis cineraria trees.