Comparing the Åland Islands Precedent and the Nagorno- Karabakh Conflict

Abstract

This research note explores available studies concerning the possibility of the resolution of the Nagorno- Karabakh Conflict through implementation of good practices and experiences of the Åland Islands precedent to pave way for the final solution of the territorial conflict through the application of the international law. In the original exploratory research effort that was carried out in 2017–2018 at the Faculty of Law of Lund University, very close similarities were found between the conflict situation in the case of Åland Islands, that was resolved in the beginning of the 20th century, and the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict that is a protracted armed conflict for which a resolution has not been ready to find for more than a quarter of a century now.

Subsequent research raised many interesting questions connected to the right of peoples to self-determination, its evolution through the 20th century, the importance of demilitarisation and neutralisation for Nagorno-Karabakh, minority rights issues and other matters important for the discussion on applicability of certain elements of Åland Islands precedent to the situation of Nagorno-Karabakh. The differences in geographical location, territorial dissimilarities, historical context and political processes that influence the two situations during separate periods of time are also considered in the discussion as important for a resolution of the conflict based on international law.