The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict. Which Role Does the Russian Federation Have in Preserving the Stalemate?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Chapter 2: The Conceptual Framework and Literature Review

2.1 Concepts

2.1.1 National Interest

2.1.2 Spheres of Influence

2.1.3. Geopolitics

2.1.4. Conflict Stalemate

2.1.5. Conflict Management

2.1.6. Conflict Resolution

2.2. Literature Review

2.2.1. The Yugoslav War(s)

2.2.2. The Transnistria Conflict

2.2.3. The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Chapter 3: The Theoretical Framework and Conflict Background

3.1. Theories

3.2. Background of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

3.2.1. Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations

3.2.2. Armenian-Russian Relations

3.2.3. Azerbaijani-Russian Relations

Chapter 4: The Analysis of the Russian Incentives

4.1. The Geopolitical Importance of the Caucasus for Russia

4.2. The Geopolitical Importance of the South Caucasian States

4.3. Channels of Russian Influence in the South Caucasus

4.4. Russian Economic Benefits from Maintaining the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

4.4.1. Russian Arms Selling Business

4.4.2. Russian Geo-energy Benefits

4.5. Security Dimension of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Conclusion

List of References

Research Objectives & Key Themes

This thesis investigates the underlying reasons for the Russian Federation's interest in preserving the status quo regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, utilizing international relations theories to analyze how this stalemate benefits Russian geopolitical, economic, and security interests.

• The application of realist international relations theory to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
• Examination of Russia's geopolitical interests and sphere of influence in the South Caucasus.
• Analysis of economic incentives, specifically arms sales and energy transit control.
• Assessment of the security dimension and the role of conflicts as a tool for regional influence.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the thesis, which is to analyze the role of Russia in maintaining the Nagorno-Karabakh status quo, and identifies the research gap in using international relations theories to study this influence.

Chapter 2: The Conceptual Framework and Literature Review: The chapter clarifies essential concepts such as national interest, spheres of influence, and conflict stalemate, and reviews existing literature on the Yugoslav, Transnistria, and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts.

Chapter 3: The Theoretical Framework and Conflict Background: This section establishes realism as the primary theoretical lens for the analysis and provides a historical and relational overview of the parties involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Chapter 4: The Analysis of the Russian Incentives: This chapter analyzes Russia's geopolitical, economic, and security-related motivations for maintaining the conflict in the South Caucasus, including arms sales and energy transit control.

Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes findings, asserting that preserving the stalemate serves Russia's national interests by reinforcing its role as a regional hegemon and preventing the influence of other global powers.

Keywords

Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian Federation, Realism, Geopolitics, Sphere of Influence, Conflict Stalemate, South Caucasus, International Relations, Energy Security, Arms Trade, Foreign Policy, Status Quo, Regional Hegemon, Security Interests, Post-Soviet Space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The work examines why the Russian Federation is motivated to maintain the current Nagorno-Karabakh conflict stalemate rather than pursuing a comprehensive resolution.

What theoretical framework does the author utilize?

The thesis employs the realist school of international relations, focusing on power, security, and national interests to explain state behavior.

What is the central research question?

The core question is: why is Russia interested in maintaining the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Which methodology is applied in the study?

The study uses a state-level analysis, deriving assumptions from international relations theories to interpret Russian behavior from the early 2000s to the present.

How does the author characterize the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

The author argues that it is not a "frozen conflict" but rather a situation of a "mutually hurting stalemate" that is actively maintained to serve the strategic interests of external actors, primarily Russia.

What role do the concepts of geopolitics and spheres of influence play?

These concepts are central to the analysis, as Russia views the South Caucasus as part of its "near abroad" and uses its position to counteract Western influence and secure its regional interests.

How does the arms trade influence Russia’s stance on the conflict?

Russia acts as the primary arms supplier to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, using the resulting armament spiral to increase its economic benefits and maintain leverage over both states.

What are the geo-energy benefits for Russia?

By controlling influence in the region, Russia prevents alternative energy pipelines from bypassing its territory, thereby protecting its position as the dominant energy supplier to Europe.