Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Ali Basiriniya ¹
• Amin Sabaghzade ²

¹ Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

² Department of Political Science, University of Sistan and Baluchistan, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract

Following the outbreak of renewed conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh in late 2020, a trilateral agreement mediated by Russia was signed. This led to the withdrawal of Armenian forces and civilians from around 35% of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, putting approximately 70% of the area under Baku and its allies' control. This paper examines the geopolitical dimensions of the Nagorno-Karabakh frozen conflict and explores the prospects for resolving it given the geopolitical changes after the 45-day war in 2020 between Baku and Yerevan. The key research question is: What impact have the geopolitical changes following the 2020 Azerbaijan-Armenia war had on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh frozen conflict? Using a descriptive-analytical approach and geopolitical framework, the hypothesis was tested that the geopolitical changes have complicated the conflict while strengthening Baku's position. The findings confirm the hypothesis, suggesting the geopolitical complexities make a peaceful solution more difficult while increasing the likelihood of further military action by Azerbaijan.

Keywords

• Nagorno-Karabakh Frozen Conflict
• Geopolitics
• Republic of Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• The 45-Day War of 2020 between Baku and Yerevan

Main Subjects

• Middle East
• Iran