This dissertation aims to investigate the sources of United States (US) foreign policy toward Azerbaijan by examining the relative impact of domestic, geostrategic and structural factors in explaining US foreign policy toward the country. Azerbaijan is one of the newly independent states that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite its small size, the country’s strategic location, vast oil and natural gas reserves, and its conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno- Karabakh region elevated its importance and made Azerbaijan the center of interest for great powers. As the sole superpower after the end of the Cold War, the US has largely followed a unilateral foreign policy agenda. US foreign policy toward the South Caucasus in general, and Azerbaijan in particular, has been marked by inconsistencies, and by a lack of coordination and an unwillingness to take the initiative in crucial issue areas. Most importantly, experts have observed several important shifts in US policy toward Azerbaijan. These shifts can be conceptualized as critical junctures as they represent fundamental changes in the orientation of US policy. The dissertation is focused on these critical junctures as they relate to four main issue areas: the political economy of oil, the security partnership, economic reforms, and human rights. Why did the US disengage from Caspian energy issues after the successful completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline? Why did the US lose its commitment to Azerbaijani security, including the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Why did the US grow unhappy about the investment climate in Azerbaijan in the 2000s? Why did the Obama administration decide to shift to a “human rights policy” toward Baku, despite two decades of neglect of such issues by the Clinton and Bush Administrations? This dissertation follows a chronological format and analyzes the sources of US foreign policy towards Azerbaijan in three time periods: 1991-2001, 2002-2007, and 2008-2015.

This master's thesis is aimed at analyzing the integration processes between the European Union and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a major oil and gas supplier, while the European Union actively seeks diversification of energy resource supplies for the purpose of reaching higher energy security. The aim of the research is to investigate the relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. The nature of relations between the two stated subjects are being analyzed, and the main preconditions favoring such relations. In order to provide comprehensive analysis, the situation of Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union with the same bilateral relations with the EU of Turkey, Ukraine and China are being analyzed within this thesis.

Im Anschluss an die von der Fugro Consult GmbH durchgeführte geotechnische Baugrunderkundung für die geplante Erweiterung eines Öl- und Gasterminals im Sangachal Distrikt südlich von Baku, Aserbaidschan, wurde durch die Fugro Consult GmbH in Zusammenarbeit mit Fugro Loadtest ein geotechnisches Monitoring-Programm in Form von Pfahlprobebelastungen durchgeführt und in diesem Zusammenhang verschiedene statische Zustände simuliert. Neben Vertikallasten, den Hauptlasten aus den zukünftigen Bauwerken, wurden auch horizontale Lasten am Pfahlkopf aufgetragen und mit verschiedenen Monitoring-Methoden während der Versuchsdurchführung überwacht. Das Monitoring-Programm wurde in zwei Feldkampagnen durchgeführt. In der ersten Kampagne wurden Probepfähle an ausgewählten Lokationen bis zum Versagen belastet, um Grenzzustände zu ermitteln, das Pfahldesign zu optimieren und die in der Baugrunderkundung ermittelten geotechnischen Parameter zu überprüfen. In einer zweiten Kampagne wurden dann Bauwerkspfähle getestet, um die Qualität der Pfahlherstellung zu prüfen und die vom Statiker vorgegebenen zulässigen Setzungen der Pfähle unter der geplanten Bauwerkslast zu kontrollieren. / Following the geotechnical site investigation for the extension of the Oil- and Gas terminal in the Sangachal district, south of Baku, Azerbaijan performed by Fugro Consult GmbH a comprehensive pile monitoring program was performed subsequently by Fugro Consult GmbH in collaboration with Fugro Loadtest. The monitoring program comprised full scale static axial, lateral and bi-directional pile load tests using the O-cell® method. Beside vertical loads induced by the future building, also lateral loads were applied and monitored by means of different monitoring methods. The monitoring Program was performed in two field campaigns. During the first campaign only preliminary piles were loaded until failure in order to determine the ultimate limit state, to optimize the pile design and to verify the geotechnical parameter acquired during the preceding site investigation. During the second field campaign only working piles were tested to assure constant quality during pile installation and to confirm that allowable settlements stipulated by the designer are not exceeded.

Transitioning to renewable energy is critical for reaching global sustainable development goals. As an oil-rich country, Azerbaijan has recognized the need to develop its renewable energy sector. It has set ambitious goals for increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix and establishing a green energy zone in the Karabakh region. The purpose of this master's thesis is to assess the potential of wind energy in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region and surrounding areas and identify the best scenario for its development. Four scenarios were evaluated via the PROMETHEE II Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method based on their economic, environmental, technological, and social factors. Interviews with real stakeholders were undertaken to elicit weights for the criteria, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. The findings were shared with the stakeholders, and their input was integrated into the final analysis. According to the findings, Scenario 4, which includes more installed capacity and increased investment, is best suited for the growth of wind energy in the Karabakh and surrounding areas from the perspective of developer and governmental body. In contrast, renewable energy expert and the public prefer Scenario 1, with less land use and less capacity. The findings indicate that for the effective development of wind energy in the area, a balanced approach taking into account the opinions of all stakeholders, is essential. This study contributes to Azerbaijan's long-term development by offering valuable insights into the potential of wind energy in the Karabakh region and surrounding areas and supporting informed decision-making for its expansion.

Since 1988, the states of Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in conflict over the enclave of Nagorno Karabakh. The conflict has developed into one of the most intractable and complicated disputes in the international arena, with the main parties being the two rivalling sovereign states plus the ¿unrecognised state¿ of Nagorno Karabakh. Despite the optimistic statements and claims by the OSCE and after many years of negotiations and talks, the peace process remains in stalemate. The research argues the virtues of Track Two diplomacy and highlights the successful instances where it has made important contributions to the ¿official¿ or Track One diplomatic process. It also explores the potential of a ¿no war no peace¿ situation by discerning the factors influencing the progress of the conflict. The research shows that a deeper understanding of the obstacles to peace is achieved by appreciating the significance of historical events as well as recognising the motives and interests of the different parties. The study reviews all major factors which have led to the failure of resolution efforts, particular the negative role played by Russia. It concludes that the scholars in the field of conflict resolution can bring about a lasting peace to this region, provided there is a fundamental change in the structure of the co-chairs of the OSCE.

This study has been conducted to investigate the current situation and the possible outcomes in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The conflict predominantly concerns the status of the Karabakh region, a region legally belonging to Azerbaijan, but which up to recent events in 2023 has been under control of Armenian separatists. The study had the goal of explaining the conflict and its outcomes with the use of the theoretical perspective’s realism and liberal internationalism. The study was conducted using a grounded theory approach and found several key factors influencing the conflict and its future. The realist perspective has contributed to the analysis by suggesting the conquest of the Karabakh region can be seen as a compensation from the Armenia- Russian alliance to deter further conflict. Using the liberal internationalist perspective to evaluate the situation has led to the conclusions that international institutions did not achieve a successful hold in the region in the post-soviet space as there was an existing conflict with already dominating powers percent. However, with the Russian withdrawal, the European Union has increased its role as a negotiator. This, combined with the Azerbaijanian control of the Karabakh region, the role of oil trade, and the Armenian state promoting diplomacy and institutions, may increase the likelihood of peace.

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The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the role of women as intermediaries, mediators and arbitrators in conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the de facto region of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is highly relevant to comdev due to several reasons. First, it is an active issue. The number of deaths from border clashes has increased in 2014-2016 despite a ceasefire signed in 1994. Second, women and civil society groups are oppressed. This thesis explores the question of women’s contribution in solving conflicts considering masculinity, gender complex and war. Are women better at solving conflicts? Third, new media has become an important tool for cross border communication. Focus is given to use of social media by women in an attempt to facilitate change of discourses. Critical discourse analysis, hermeneutics and social constructivism are considered as methodologies to evaluate this. However, there is a number limitations here including use of English language, limited participant numbers and response bias.Background information on conflict is presented and includes analyzing the role of national and international organizations such as parliaments, the Minsk Group (OSCE) European Commission (EPNK) and the UN (1325). A brief literature review is then conducted focusing on conflict area, historical discourses and peace building narratives. This is followed by an examination of post-soviet literature on masculinity, nation-building, feminism and changing role of active women, centering on Caucasus and Nagorno-Karabakh. Topics explored are women’s rights, political involvement, language, religion and cultural turn. Next stage is a summary of research questions for qualitative interviews with five women participants who are or work with active women in Transcaucasia. From available data, main premise becomes new role of active women as peace builders in conflict acting individually, in NGO’s and in government and attempting to facilitate discussion with lawmakers and negotiators in conflict.After research, primary and secondary data is analyzed. Responses are evaluated over the methods mentioned and main contributions are considered to be on grassroots activism funded by international NGO’s. It is not clear whether women would be better at resolving complex but their contribution to nation building has been proven. New media becomes a tool for activist communication and propaganda. Women find themselves dealing with nationalism, marginalization and breakdown of democratic institutions. They turn to international NGO’s but this often backfires as Armenian and Azerbaijani society and government sees this as Western intrusion. Progress is slow and daily lives are ruled by uncertainty, discrimination and faint hope of resolve.

Wars are moments of significant rupture for states, societies, and economies. Wars where one state suffers significant territorial losses can be particularly challenging for states, their power structures, and the prevailing visions and identities in their geopolitical cultures. How states react to territorial losses is a compelling area for research. The recent experiences of the Republic of Armenia present a rich case study in how states adjust to territorial change. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment of an independent Armenian state was accompanied by war over a disputed territory with neighbouring Azerbaijan. By the time of the cease-fire of the First Karabakh War in 1994, Armenia held its own territory and strongly supported the Armenian-populated unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. "Karabakh is ours", which served as a long-standing slogan of the geopolitical culture of Armenia, was shattered as a result of the Second Karabakh War of 2020, during which Azerbaijani forces gained control over considerable territory. The status quo after the war had notable impact on the province of Siunik in southern Armenia as well. This dissertation is a study in the aftermath of territorial shock, looking to the framework of geopolitical culture and the category of the geo-body to account for the developments in Armenia generally and in Siunik in particular since 2020. Drawing on the literature of critical geopolitics as well as fieldwork conducted in Armenia, the dissertation argues that the shock and trauma of the war has caused deep disruption and fragmentation in the geopolitical culture of Armenia, which remains in crisis. There are disputed and competing territorial visions of the country, some of which are manifested as centre-periphery distinctions between the capital Yerevan and the province of Siunik. The strong local identity of the province serves as a basis to look to ideological tropes of nationalist imaginations as a coping mechanism while facing precarious circumstances. Material geographical realities and discursive or ideological imaginations continue to be in tension in Armenia, especially in Siunik. / Doctor of Philosophy / Wars are moments of significant disruption for states and societies. Wars in which a state suffers significant territorial losses can be particularly challenging for governments and the people, and how they think of themselves. How states react to territorial losses is a compelling area for research. The recent experiences of the Republic of Armenia present a rich case study in how states adjust to territorial change. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment of an independent Armenian state was accompanied by war over a disputed territory with neighbouring Azerbaijan. At the time of the cease-fire of 1994, the Armenian side emerged with consolidated territorial gains. Following years of peace negotiations and some escalations, Azerbaijani forces launched a large-scale offensive in 2020, as a result of which much territory changed hands. The status quo after the war had notable impact on the province of Siunik in southern Armenia as well. This dissertation is a study in the aftermath of territorial changes. It looks to how states and societies think about themselves and their territories. To say that a territory is disputed between two or more parties is a straightforward observation. But it is worth asking more nuanced questions: how is territory framed, how does that framing inform disputes, and how might a better understanding of those framings help resolve them? In the case of Armenia, this dissertation argues that the government and people remain in a state of shock and trauma two years after the end of the war. There is a disconnect between framings, future visions, and prospects as expressed by the central government of Armenia and the experiences and expectations of people on the ground in Siunik. Many studies of conflicts focus on politics, diplomacy, and international affairs. They may bring to the surface humanitarian issues, questions of public international law, art, justice, or history. This dissertation invites the reader to think more about the geography of conflicts, both as a material reality and as an ideological value.