CONTEMPORARY EURASIA IX ( 2 )
ELYA AGHAJANYAN
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT VS . CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS : UNDERSTANDING THE AZERBAIJANI APPROACH
Abstract : The aim of this paper is to explore the dynamics of Azerbaijan ’ s policy towards Armenia in the framework of the NK peace process with a particular emphasis on the concept of ‘ strategic patience .’ The theoretical part of the paper discusses two key terms of peace studies : conflict management and conflict resolution . Also covered are the determinants which shape and distinguish between these two terms and their strategies , putting “ strategic patience ” within the broader framework of conflict management strategies . Then the manifestations of Azerbaijani policies towards the peace process since its independence to 2019 are analyzed . Primarily , this article discusses the conflict resolution efforts made by the mediators and , in that context , the various means and approaches that Azerbaijan has utilized in between these processes . It analyses the speeches of Azerbaijani leaders in order to understand their position . Keywords : Conflict management , conflict resolution , strategic patience , NK peace process , Azerbaijan .
Introduction
On December 5 , 2019 , the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov gave an interview to the Azerbaijani TV channel CBC . 1 This interview did not trigger widespread public discussions . However , this interview unveiled certain aspects of Azerbaijan ' s current position and policies regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process since the 1990s .
In this interview , Mammadyarov claimed that ‘ peace for prosperity ’ is the current formula of the peace process . He also affirmed that for that reason there is a need to have ‘ strategic patience ,’ claiming that Armenia is a small state , thereby the conflict with Azerbaijan is not strategically beneficial for various reasons : Armenia cannot participate in major regional and global projects , has limited recourses , and people leave the country due to not having any prospects for a prosperous future . 2
This article aims to understand the evolution of Azerbaijani conflict management models from its independence until 2019 , develop a
1
“ Elmar Mammadyarov ’ s Interview ,” CBC , last modified December 16 , 2019 , https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = 7YKquGeQk9Y . 2 Ibid .
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