The Role of Regional Powers in the Conflict over Nagorny Karabakh Region

Abstract

The increased militarization of the Caucasus has a very detrimental effect on the peace process, the military build-up in the Caucasus has prompted both Armenia and Azerbaijan to consider the military option as the only way to resolve the Karabakh conflict, many Azerbaijanis believe that the NATO military training they received through the United States made them better able to retake Karabakh by force, at the same time Armenians believe that with Russian weapons and military aid they will be able to win any conflict about Karabakh, This has led to an increase in the level of aggression and reduced the incentive for dialogue and settlement on both sides, Although Karabakh is not as critical in Moscow's eyes as the conflicts in Georgia, Moscow still wants to maintain control in the South Caucasus and keep U.S. ambitions under control.