Economist Podcasts Enclave on edge: Armenia and Azerbaijan
Oct 1, 2020
In this episode, Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent for The Economist, dives into the escalating tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh. He discusses the historical complexities of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the looming involvement of Turkey and Russia. Zalewski also highlights the pandemic's impact on abortion regulations, revealing a shift in access to reproductive health services. Additionally, the episode touches on the fascinating evolutionary dynamics of spider venom and its implications on safety for humans.
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History of Nagorno-Karabakh
- Nagorno-Karabakh, legally part of Azerbaijan but controlled by Armenian forces, has a long history of disputes.
- It was part of the Kingdom of Armenia over 2,000 years ago and was later placed within Azerbaijan under Soviet rule.
Ongoing Dispute and Recent Clashes
- Despite a 1994 ceasefire, the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh remains active, with regular skirmishes.
- Recent clashes in July 2020 resulted in fatalities and fueled public demands for Azerbaijan to retake the region.
Escalation of Military Offensive
- The current conflict escalation is marked by a broader Azerbaijani military offensive.
- Analysts observe increased troop deployments and the use of heavy weaponry, including drones.