Roundtable Discussion: “Armenia-Azerbaijan-Türkiye Vicious Triangle”

At a recent roundtable in Istanbul on Armenia-Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations, I shared why the current negotiations between Baku and Yerevan should be described as a "normalization process" rather than a "peace process."

The concept of peace remains vague, undefined, and undiscussed in both societies. It lacks substance, and this gap prevents a deeper societal understanding of what true peace might look like. Normalization, on the other hand, focuses on practical, incremental steps—such as border management and trade routes—that can help lay the groundwork for stability while addressing immediate challenges.

I also spoke about the potential impact of the Trump administration on these talks. Given the substantial progress made so far, there is an opportunity for the incoming U.S. leadership to play a role in finalizing an agreement. However, this depends on how the Trump administration prioritizes the region: Will it treat the Armenia-Azerbaijan process as a quick diplomatic win or overlook it in favor of domestic matters?

These discussions are crucial as the South Caucasus stands at a crossroads. The region’s future depends not only on political agreements but also on fostering societal readiness for change and reconciliation.

You can find more insights from me and my colleagues here:https://caucasusedition.net/roundtable-discussion-armenia-azerbaijan-turkiye-vicious-triangle/