ENDURING RIVALRY AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: THE CASE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Abstract

This study examines the nature of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and tries to identify a sustainable conflict resolution path drawing on the literature and the analytical framework provided by Enduring Rivalry (ER) theory and conflict transformation scholarship, thus adding the state-society dimension of the issue. Considering the attitudes of the conflicting societies, this study argues that, even in the unlikely scenario of the consensual agreement the result will be fiercely challenged by one or all publics, not only undermining the possibility of its implementation but also regime endurance. The study suggests to consider an approach based on conflict transformation and comes up with a recommendation entailing the management of the Sarsang reservoir.