First Advisor

Joshua Eastin

Date of Award

Spring 6-9-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International & Global Studies: Global Studies and University Honors

Department

Politics and Global Affairs

Language

English

Subjects

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Environmental Discourse, Conflict Discourse

Abstract

This paper explores the role of ecological narratives in the long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in the South Caucasus. This paper argues that environmental narratives do not only reflect but also shape the conflict's trajectory--most notably in relation to Azerbaijan's 2023 territorial gains and their aftermath. Much of the existing scholarship focuses on the territorial, ethnic, and political dimensions of the conflict, however this study examines how environmental discourse has been employed by both sides to frame grievances and influence domestic and international opinion. By analyzing the discourse of ecocide and recent case studies, including the 2022 environmental protests in Lachin, COP29, and international trials, this research highlights how the environment has functioned as more than just a passive backdrop. The environment has become a politicized object within a broader narrative struggle, that is a barrier to conflict reconciliation and peace.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Comments

An undergraduate honors thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in University Honors and International/Global Studies and Russian.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43989

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