The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Understanding the Armenia-Azerbaijan Dispute

The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Understanding the Armenia-Azerbaijan Dispute

A Disputed Territory

The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, two former Soviet Union nations, has been a cause of distress in the region for several decades. At the heart of this conflict lies the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, both nations claimed this territory, leading to a protracted conflict that continues to this day.

Nagorno-Karabakh is legally a part of Azerbaijan, a fact that Azerbaijan uses to assert its territorial integrity over the region. However, the majority ethnicity in Nagorno-Karabakh is Armenian, and they refuse to integrate with the Azerbaijani government, leading to a complex and volatile situation.

Escalation of the Conflict

The conflict witnessed a dramatic escalation in March and April 2023 when the Armenian and Azerbaijani forces clashed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. These clashes resulted in significant casualties, including three officials from the Armenian Ministry of Interior. This has meant that the conflict, which spans almost 30 years, not only involves the two warring nations but has also attracted the attention of external countries such as Turkey and Russia.

(Read Also: Escalating Crisis in Karabakh: The Rising Tide of Refugees)

External Involvement

Turkey openly supports Azerbaijan, citing ethnic and cultural similarities. Additionally, the natural gas trading partnership between Turkey and Azerbaijan is another factor motivating Turkey’s support. On the other hand, Russia maintains good relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, but it tends to favor Armenia. This favoritism is evidenced by the fact that Russia sells weapons to both nations, but only Armenia receives special pricing.

A History of Deadly Clashes

Over time, the intensity of the conflict has increased. Between 1994 and 2020, deadly clashes occurred periodically. The peak of the conflict was in April 2016, when a fierce four-day battle on the border resulted in hundreds of deaths on both sides. Another major conflict broke out on September 27, 2020, a bloody six-week conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 7,000 soldiers and 170 civilians. This conflict was eventually deescalated by Russia, acting as a mediator, on November 10, 2020.

(Read Also: Azerbaijan Declares Full Restoration of Sovereignty: Unpacking the Geopolitical Implications)

A Complex Regional Dispute

In summary, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is rooted in territorial disputes and ethnic differences, with the Nagorno-Karabakh region at its center. This conflict has not only impacted the two nations involved but has also drawn the attention and involvement of other countries like Turkey and Russia. Despite periods of intense conflict and bloodshed, attempts at mediation and deescalation have been made, highlighting the complex and ongoing nature of this regional dispute.

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