LCC International University always advocates for communication and problem solving to be one of utmost importance to the community. Having a diverse and international community from over fifty countries means having conversations regarding all global topics. Thanks to our academic environment, the university is able to create a space for open discussions and interaction with the students helping to educate them more fully on current topics.

“A Closer Look at the Conflict in Armenia and Azerbaijan” is the first of the LCC Global Conversation Seminar Series. In this academic lecture, Dr. Scott Neumann discussed the history and diplomacy of the conflict. Dr. Neumann explained that the conflict is much more than just the recent eruption of a dispute. Looking back at the history of Nagorno-Karabakh region, he presented the root of the problem- the difference seen by the internationally recognized map and the ethnic map. The decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh situation is no longer muted and is one of the heaviest clashes since the 1990s. From the perspective of International Relations, the tendency is different level analysis. Dr. Neumann emphasized the importance of understanding what motivates the acting leaders of each country involved. He also explained the influence of Russia, Syria, and Turkey on both countries over the years and what possibly could be done to help resolve the current events. “Frozen conflicts don’t stay frozen. They will return and you could have a longer, uglier war. We don’t want a major war every thirty years. We need to form a long term conflict resolution,” concluded Dr. Scott Neumann.

Assistant Professor Giedre Norman discussed responses that are drawn from the study of conflict. She presented a “yellow card” model, and according to this model, there are four ways to solve any conflict. Depending on the situation, each step can be applied in different conflicts. Professor Norman presented the model of two-sided party negotiation with a mediator, the overruling power model, the model of sharing power and solving the problem, and the imposition of the decision to one side. She highlighted that in this particular situation, there are different perspectives from the two parties and there are issues that have accumulated. She also mentioned the impact of Turkey, United States and France in the mediation of the conflict. “We have to look for resolutions that are more inclusive, more dialogue-based, and have more effective mediators,” said Assistant Professor Giedre Norman. A suggestion for the solution was a strong, impartial party, or group that understands the problem globally and could implement an international outlook.

Dr. Emmy Irobi discussed post-conflict reactions and life. He also shared his thoughts about experiencing war himself. Dr. Emmy explained the ethnic side of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, also providing his insights from 1990 until today. Touching on the emotional side of the conflict's impact on people, Dr. Irobi highlighted the road to the pursuit of peace and what possibilities are logical for Armenia and Azerbaijan.

After the seminar, the lecturers and students had a Q&A session. The discussion included the future of the Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict, and the position of other foreign countries in terms of involvement and help to reach a diplomatic, long-term solution.

To mark this event, the flags of Armenia and Azerbaijan hang as an installation in the central windows of the LCC International University Defehr building.