Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Since 1988, Armenian Karabaghis have struggled for Karabagh’s (NKR) independence from Azerbaijan. Despite continual negotiations involving a variety of nation-states, however, independence for this little-known territory has yet to be realized. Being both mountainous and arid, this territory is limited in its ability to participate in the global economy. Yet, the United States has shown considerable interest in NKR through its steady expert involvement and financial assistance. This paper asks, what reasons are behind U.S. involvement with the Karabagh dispute? How might this shed light on U.S. foreign strategies for the Southern Caucuses region? The authors use content analysis of field observations from the June 2005 NKR parliamentary elections, regional reports (U.S. NGOs, governmental, and corporate analyses) to examine the motivations behind U.S. aid to Karabagh. Preliminary findings suggest that oil interests in Azerbaijan have slowed advances toward Armenian Karabaghi independence from Azerbaijan, while at the same time cooperation from both NKR and Armenia is essential to U.S. strategies to contain Iran (a country that has supported NKR and Armenia in the midst of trade sanctions and economic strife).