Tim, the only thing I disagree with you on this analysis is the use of the Soviet-era term "Transcaucasia" ("Zakavkazye" in Russian). It's not Transcaucasia, but South Caucasus, just like it's not "Pribaltika", but Baltic States, just like it's not "na Ukraine" but "v Ukraine" etc.
Fair comment - I adjusted. Afraid showing my Soviet Studies past there..
Tim, the only thing I disagree with you on this analysis is the use of the Soviet-era term "Transcaucasia" ("Zakavkazye" in Russian). It's not Transcaucasia, but South Caucasus, just like it's not "Pribaltika", but Baltic States, just like it's not "na Ukraine" but "v Ukraine" etc.