1st Edition
Negotiating Armenian-Azerbaijani Peace Opportunities, Obstacles, Prospects
Conflict resolution, conflict management and conflict transformations are major themes in this unique book which examines, explores and analyses the mediation attempts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ohannes Geukjian shows the most striking characteristic of a protracted internal conflict such as this is its asymmetry and explains that, without meeting basic human needs like identity, recognition, security and participation, resolving any protracted social conflict is very difficult. The Armenian Azerbaijani case demonstrates how official diplomacy may not be able to solve protracted internal conflicts as, without addressing the real causes of the problematic relationship, attempts at peace making will always be sporadic and the space for mutual understanding and compromise shrink. Geukjian shows that conflict transformation has a particular salience in asymmetric conflicts such as this where the goal is to transform unjust relationships and where a high degree of polarisation between the disputants has taken root. Using the Nagorno-Karabakh case, this book focuses on the anatomy and causes of deadlock in negotiations and highlights the many difficulties in achieving a breakthrough.
Biography
Ohannes Geukjian is a Lecturer in the Political Science and Public Administration Department at the American University of Beirut.
’Employing a powerful theoretical apparatus with deep local knowledge, Ohannes Geukjian gives us a firmly-grounded analysis of a seemingly intractable conflict - the deadlocked contest of Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. This asymmetrical struggle over a treasured piece of the "national" territory has frustrated state leaders and international mediators. Geukjian demonstrates that resolution of the conflict requires recognition of the security needs of the two sides, reduction of the mutual perceptions of threat, and consideration of the identity issues of both sides. Where mediators have failed, locals and track two diplomacy might offer a way forward. This is a novel, hopeful alternative to what has not worked up to now.’ Ronald Grigor Suny, The University of Michigan, USA ’An astute and balanced analysis of the continued inability of the Armenians and Azerbaijanis to solve their conflict over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Geukjian provides an excellent theoretical introduction for his analysis, offers some peace-making suggestions of his own, and highlights the often obstructive roles of Russia and Turkey in the peacemaking process.’ Robert O. Freedman, Johns Hopkins University, USA 'Negotiating Armenian-Azerbaijani Peace is a valuable contribution to the literature on conflicts, frozen and otherwise, in the former Soviet Union. It is also a worthwhile read for students and practitioners of conflict management and resolution, particularly those in which territory; ethnicity; and identity are relevant factors.' The Military Review
