Turkey's Chessboard Diplomacy: Navigating the Azerbaijani-Armenian Nexus

The post-Soviet dissolution has rendered the geopolitics of the Caucasus a hotbed of contention, underlined notably by Armenia's protracted occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. This region, acknowledged by international law as Azerbaijani territory, remained a contested piece of land until the pivotal events of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020. But what role did external entities play in this, and how has Turkey, in particular, shaped the outcome?

Despite the diplomatic endeavors, including a ceasefire under Russian auspices, Armenia’s subsequent actions, such as laying mines in the freshly liberated zones, attracted global disapproval. These very provocations were a prelude to Azerbaijan's counter-terrorism operation in 2023.

However, the storyline takes a fascinating twist with Turkey’s unequivocal involvement. Azerbaijan's triumph in the 44-day warfare can't be dissociated from Turkey’s extensive institutional backing. Turkey's commitment transcended mere diplomatic platitudes. Military trainings, top-tier equipment provision were instrumental in tilting the balance. What's more, the resonant ethos of "One Nation, Two States," championed by leaders Erdoğan and Aliyev, became emblematic of an alliance grounded in shared history, values, and geopolitical interests.

Turkey's foreign policy, often seen through a prism of skepticism, exhibited a strategic masterstroke in this scenario. The liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh stands as a testament to its solution-oriented foreign policy dynamics. The subsequent inauguration of the "Nakhchivan-Azerbaijan" corridor not only realized a long-held dream of the Turkic world but also positioned Turkey as a bridge, paving terrestrial ties between Central Asia and itself.

The success in Nagorno-Karabakh also paints a broader picture. It underscores Turkey's capability and intent to resolve international stalemates, even when formidable entities like the UN and the OSCE's Minsk Group falter.

In conclusion, the Caucasus episode amplifies Turkey's evolving role on the world stage. The nation doesn't merely respond to crises; it actively shapes outcomes, signaling its growing geopolitical clout. With Azerbaijan's continued military assertiveness against Armenia's illicit activities and the unresolved occupation, the world should anticipate Turkey’s unwavering support and brace for its consequential role in upcoming geopolitical shifts.