The Long Road to the Armenia-azerbaijan Peace Agreement: The Prevalence of the Principle of Territorial Integrity Over the Right of Self-determination

On March 13, 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan announced a peace agreement to conclude a conflict that began in 1988. The disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh exemplifies a paradigmatic case where the principle of territorial integrity and the right to self-determination have been in conflict for nearly four decades. Ultimately, the principle of territorial integrity has prevailed. This article examines the aspects of the peace agreement that are known so far, particularly the mutual recognition of both countries' territorial integrity based on Soviet-era borders, the necessity to reform the Armenian Constitution to eliminate any territorial claims on Azerbaijan, the prohibition of military deployments from third countries, the renunciation of any future international litigation, and the disbanding of the OSCE Minsk Group. This text analyses relevant treaties, resolutions from international organizations, and the historical roles of external actors such as Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations. Special attention is given to the legal frameworks established by the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the principle of uti possidetis juris. Measures to strengthen the peace agreement are being studied. The analysis emphasizes the importance of combining economic cooperation and inter-community dialogue to promote long-term stability in the South Caucasus.