What's Happening?
The Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as the Republic of Artsakh, has declared its dissolution following a military offensive by Azerbaijan. This development comes after a period of de facto independence since a 1994 ceasefire, despite the lack of international recognition. The recent Azerbaijani military action led to the collapse of local political, legal, and civic institutions, and the mass departure of nearly all ethnic Armenians from the region. The territory's status has been reclassified from 'Partly Free' to 'Not Free' in the 2024 edition of Freedom in the World, and it is now included in Azerbaijan's country report as of 2025.
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Why It's Important?
The dissolution of Nagorno-Karabakh marks a significant geopolitical shift in the South Caucasus region, impacting regional stability and ethnic relations. The exodus of ethnic Armenians raises humanitarian concerns and highlights the ongoing ethnic tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This development could influence U.S. foreign policy and international diplomatic efforts aimed at conflict resolution in the region. The situation underscores the challenges of maintaining peace and security in areas with deep-rooted ethnic and territorial disputes.
What's Next?
Bilateral peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan are ongoing, but the future of the region remains uncertain. The international community, including the U.S., may need to engage more actively to prevent further escalation and to support humanitarian efforts for displaced populations. The dissolution of Nagorno-Karabakh could lead to increased calls for international monitoring and intervention to ensure the protection of ethnic minorities and the prevention of further conflict.
