COMMON PROBLEMS, INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS AROUND THE DYNAMICS OF CONFLICTS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH, ABKHAZIA, SOUTH OSSETIA AND TRANSNISTRIA

Abstract

There are about 25 de facto states in the world, five of them in the postSoviet space. The emergence of de facto regimes is directly related to the impasse and conflict-causing reality when the de jure state, which is directly related to the state, is no longer able to exercise its (self-) authority over the population and territory of the de facto state. The purpose of this article is to analyse and compare the ethno-political conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Transnistria. The focus is on the similarities and differences in the causes, processes and consequences of the conflicts, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the conflicts and reveals the existence of possible commonalities in the context of ethno-political disputes. In order to achieve this goal, the task was to examine the role and significance of historical background, political developments, ethnic composition and international influences in the regions. The methodological approach of the article is based on a comparative analysis of the mentioned ethno-political conflicts. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are employed. Primary sources are used, including official documents, political statements and articles, mainly from the German news media. Ethno-political conflicts have always been found to have complex and contradictory dynamics, which in turn provide fertile ground for the interests of major regional actors. The conclusion is that cross-cutting research on ethno-political conflicts provides an opportunity to develop a clear understanding of the causes and consequences of conflict in order to identify possible patterns and commonalities in conflict resolution in comparable situations.