The South Caucasus region historically has always been connected with the Middle East and throughout history has been an arena of struggle between world empires and regional powers. After the Artsakh war in 2020, the Middle East is much "closer" to the South Caucasus, where the Iranian-Israeli confrontation may spread. In the context of an unprecedented number of actors in the South Caucasus and a certain geopolitical vacuum that has been created, the countries of the region are forced to reconsider their previously established relations with the centers of power.

Keywords South Caucasus New Middle East Karabakh conflict Artsakh war Russian Federation Turkey Israel Iran Arab countries Armenia collective West new world order.

Long-term scientific and research activity of the distinguished historian and preeminent party and government leader academician Ashot Ionnisyan (1887-1972), can be divided into two stages: pre-Soviet and Soviet. One of the important areas of his historical and scientific researches was the coverage of centuries old liberation struggle of the Armenian people that is summarized in his valuable monographs. For obvious reasons, the Soviet Armenian historiography gave an exaggerated assessment to the Russian orientation of the Armenian people, such as fateful, critical, turning point, etc. From the point of view of historical science, A. Ioannisyan's opinion and assessment put forward in his works of the pre-Soviet period appear to be more balanced and reasonable, particularly, on the issues of the Russian orientation of the Armenian people in connecttion with the activities of Israel Ori (1659-1711).

KeywordsA. Ioannisyan Armenian people Russia Israel Ori orientation historiography assessment turning point “Excerpts” Peter the Great Ankeghakot Munich closing speech independence protector Minas vardapet indicator.