First Page
34
Last Page
59
Document Type
Comment
Abstract
The article begins by surveying the historical background of the Artsakh conflict, from its ancient roots to the immediate aftermath of the 2020 war. It then introduces the key issue I identify as obstructing the peace process from resuming, namely Azerbaijan’s calculation that its military BATNA outweighs any value of continued negotiation. Next, the article evaluates two legal tactics the United States could implement in its national capacity to correct this situation, focusing on actions intended to limit Azerbaijan’s military strength by withholding foreign aid and enacting targeted sanctions, with the goal of achieving greater parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan to deter further armed escalation and ultimately restart the peace process. The article concludes by summarizing key points of discussion and expressing hope that the findings here may guide the parties to the Artsakh conflict at least some degree closer to the meaningful negotiated solution that has eluded them for the past three decades.
Recommended Citation
Patrick Babajanian,
Calming the Caucasus: Neutralizing Azerbaijan’s Military “BATNA” to Restart the Peace Process in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh),
23 Pepp. Disp. Resol. L.J.
34
(2023)
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/drlj/vol23/iss1/2
