Contested Territories and International Law A Comparative Study of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict and the Aland Islands Precedent

• Main Author: Makili-Aliyev, Kamal (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2020
• Subjects: Jurisprudence & general issues; Comparative law; International law; Military & defence law; Laws of Specific jurisdictions; International relations; Peace studies & conflict resolution; Politics & government; Aland Islands precedent; Contested territories; Minority rights; Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
• Online Access: OAPEN Library: download the publication; OAPEN Library: description of the publication

This book considers the possibilities for resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict in the context of comparative international law. The armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the territory of the Nagorno-Karabakh has been on the peace and security agenda since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This volume draws parallels with a similar situation between Sweden and Finland over sovereignty of the Aland Islands in the early 20th century. Resolved in 1921, it is argued that this represents a model autonomy solution for territorial conflicts that include questions of territorial integrity, self-determination and minority rights. The book compares both conflict situations from the international law perspective, finding both commonalities and dissimilarities. It advances the application of the solution found in the Aland Islands precedent as a model for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict, and provides appropriate recommendations for its implementation. The book will be of interest to academics, researchers and policymakers in the areas of international law and security, conflict resolution and international relations.