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Elon Musk’s Stars Over Armenia
The news that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation will be launched in Armenia has sent shockwaves through the region. The 1,200-kilometer Caucasus Cable System running along the bottom of the Black Sea and connecting the region to Europe has fueled concerns about Azerbaijan’s influence over Armenia’s digital infrastructure. However, it appears that Elon Musk’s Starlink could disrupt this dynamic.
Starlink’s resilience during conflicts, as demonstrated in Ukraine where it maintained critical communications infrastructure amidst Russian attacks, makes it a strategic asset for Armenia. As political analyst Eric Hacopian noted, “This will disable Azerbaijan’s capacity to shut down or slow down Armenia’s internet access during a time of conflict.” It’s clear that Armenia is not just acquiring technology; it’s acquiring a tool for enhancing its independence.
Armenia’s government has expressed a commitment to ensuring Starlink’s benefits are harnessed for progress while remaining vigilant about potential vulnerabilities. This sentiment echoes the lessons learned from Starlink’s use in Ukraine, highlighting the need for reliable service continuity and safeguards against misuse.
The significance of this development extends beyond Armenia itself. As a precedent-setting initiative, it has the potential to reshape digital landscapes and geopolitical dynamics across the Caucasus region.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
