The Karabakh trap: Dangers and dilemmas of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict

This paper by Thomas de Waal of Conciliation Resources encourages debate on solutions to the situation in Nagorny Karabakh.  The study describes, for example, how the 'frozen' conflict is thawing, particularly in Azerbaijan.  It also examines the dangers of the 'Karabakh trap‘, where short-term benefits in maintaining the status quo, such as not compromising due to public expectations, are themselves damaging long-term and are given priority over lasting peace. 

The study thoroughly analyses the peace process and situations in the Line of Contact and the region generally.  The two conclusions it draws are that the parties need to think creatively and long-term and they need to identify the international resources they will require.