The Karabagh conflict and its effects on Turkey's role in the Caucasus

Abstract

This thesis examines the Karabagh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia and its implications on the Caucasus regional security in general and Turkeyαs role in particular. It investigates the causes of the conflict from a theoretical, historical and practical view and evaluates the role of the various international actors in the conflict. This thesis also traces the role of oil and oil politics in resolving the conflict and contrarily examines how the conflict affects the development of the oil in the Caucasus region. This study concludes that the Karabagh conflict and the ensuing events eroded the Turkish role in the Caucasus and created a situation prone to instability and renewed violence. This study provides specific recommendations for Turkish foreign policy makers to enhance the stability in the region without sacrificing Turkish interests. Recommendations include increased relations and engagement with Iran and Russia and the further containment of Armenia until a dramatic change in its attitude is observed.