(Dağlık karabag ihtilafı: Geciktirilmiş bir çatışma)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the historical background of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, to identify the positions of the main parties involved and to analyze this dispute from two different level-of-analyses. The first analysis will be a systemic one where the system level conflict dimension in the Caucasus will be investigated. This analysis will demonstrate how the two aspiring hegemons', namely the United States (US) and Russia, rivalry over critical energy resources in the Caucasus let the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict unresolved. The reasoning behind this hypothesis is that since other actors in the region have quite limited power capabilities vis-â-vis these great powers, the systemic dimension of the conflict counteracts their involvement to the definitive resolution. On the other hand, the second analysis which will examine the domestic factors determining foreign policy choices of the actors involved in the conflict will provide an alternative preference formation process other than the structural one. This approach will present the impact of state-society relations on the conflicted actors' preferences and foreign policy choices. Making this kind of a dual study is a necessity in terms of seeing the complete picture and understanding the reasons of why the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unresolved despite all the bilateral and international efforts.