ISSN: 2158-7051 ==================== INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RUSSIAN STUDIES ==================== ISSUE NO. 7 ( 2018/1 ) RUSSIA AND UNITED STATES IN SOUTH CAUCASUS, COMPETITION OR CO-OPERATION: THE CASE OF ENERGY RESOURCE ABDOLLAH BAEI LASHAKI * , FERESHTEH NASROLLAHI ** , ATEFEH MOSTAJER HAGHIGHI *** Summary Geographical location and geopolitical importance of South Caucasus have changed it to one of the most important regions in the world. Passing several years after the collapse of USSR, this is still a strategic region for Russians due to several reasons which, since long time ago, have defined political and national interests for themselves. On the other hand, considering the lack of power in this region after the collapse of USSR, The United States is seeking to promote its influence there and compete with Russia- the region’s traditional power- through economic investment in the field of energy and developing military cooperation with regional countries. While the existing competing, these two countries have never tried to turn this competition to conflict. This conflict will undoubtedly endanger both countries’ interests in this strategic region. Considering the vital role of energy in foreign policy of both countries, the present article aims at showing how the two countries avoid conflicts despite having contradictory interests. Key Words: South Caucasus, The United States, Russia, Energy Resource, geopolitical Competition. Introduction Geopolitical studies have shown that any region which satisfies great powers’ interests would be of geopolitical and strategic importance. However, these kinds of regions are divided into two 77 International Journal of Russian Studies, No. 7/1 ( January 2018 )