Global Power Interests and Azerbaijan’s Strategy in Resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (1992-2012)

Abstract

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict offers important insights into the interaction between regional and global powers, the limitations and strengths of international mediation, and the role of military action in resolving long-standing disputes. It serves as a valuable case study on how a nation can leverage its geopolitical position, natural resources, and diplomatic ties to navigate territorial challenges and strengthen its position in the globalized world. This study seeks to examine the position of the main actors in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and how the search for multiple interests of global powers, sometimes not aligned with the parties in dispute can stagnate a conflict. It is highlighted how Azerbaijan's state independence led to a multi-vector foreign policy, taking into account national interests, and how this contributed to the expansion and growth of the country's position in the South Caucasus region, with a particular focus on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As main findings we can highlight that 1) the creation of mechanisms to restore the country's territorial integrity was a crucial point in Azerbaijan's state policy, 2) the state paid special attention to the development of political and economic ties, as well as military-technical cooperation with several countries to achieve its goals, 3) the resolution of the conflict, particularly after the 44-day Patriotic War, allowed Azerbaijan to experience rapid political and economic growth and 4) Azerbaijan's post-war focus on reconstruction and regional integration demonstrates the importance of post-conflict reconstruction and the transformation of previously disputed territories into zones of cooperation and progress.

Keywords:

Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Political and economic conflict.