Azerbaijan and Armenia: LASTING Peace is attainable

In this interview, Scott highlighted the strategic importance Azerbaijan poses for the Trump Administration, the significance of the Washington agreement, the prospects for the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the role of the international community in ensuring lasting peace in the region.

How would you assess Azerbaijan’s strategic importance to the Trump administration, and what do you see as the potential long-term trajectory of the U.S. policy in the South Caucasus?

As the strongest economic nation in the South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan poses significant strategic importance to the Trump Administration specifically, and to the United States in general. The Trump Administration recognizes Azerbaijan as a “nation of growing importance” as an energy supplier and a transport hub. In the May 2025 congratulatory statement on the Azerbaijan National Day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the 33-year partnership between the two countries, and acknowledged continued joint efforts to advance security, energy cooperation and economic growth.

What are the prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the coming years? Which models of settlement appear most realistic under the current conditions?

In concluding the peace treaty negotiations, both leaders have “turned the page” on decades of horrific conflict. By doing this, these leaders have made a public commitment to the world to press forward for true and lasting peace. Now is the time for these nations to work toward putting the actual agreement(s) into place. These courageous leaders will need the support and participation of the people in both nations to make this a reality.

The Washington agreements have contributed to U.S. diplomatic efforts in the South Caucasus. Could these agreements serve as a foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region?

The Washington agreements are unquestionably an important starting point, based on shared security, mutual recognition of territorial sovereignty, and shared economic interests. These are primary nation-state considerations for any leader to focus on. However, these efforts alone will not guarantee lasting peace. The foundation to lasting peace is in the human heart and mind— how we agree to see, treat, interact, and live among one another. And I am grateful that both President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan will not stop at those initial nation-state gains, but both seem to have the heart and presence of mind to lean heavily into the healing of physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual conditions of their people. These efforts taken together will represent a firm foundation upon which further efforts toward lasting peace can be built.

What steps can be taken to strengthen an atmosphere of trust between the Azerbaijani and Armenian societies?

Mutual distrust is a natural human heart condition after such a long and contentious war. Generations have grown up under the cloud of suspicion of “the other”. But both these nations are people of great resilience, loyalty, love, generosity of spirit and great faith.

Some steps could include:

1. Identifying a manageable group of cross-generational “people of peace” in both nations

2. The dialogues, coupled with scholarly and personal presentations about each nation’s journey through the past 40 years

3. Be prepared to have neutral facilitators who can help the groups through difficult conversations.

4. Encourage and support the group to contribute ideas on how these nations can move forward. This may involve trauma healing support groups, reparations strategies where appropriate, plans for repatriation and joint agricultural and architectural/building projects to work and serve together.

5. Use lessons learned from this process to educate others, especially the diaspora communities and other international colleagues, about the benefits and challenges on the road to peace and reconciliation.

This is not a “one and done” effort, but a process that could take years, if not generations, to resolve.

In your opinion, what role, if any, can the international community play in supporting long-term peace in the region?

The international community has a significant role to play. Although I agree it should no longer be the “monitor” of these sovereign nations, members of the international community can come alongside and support the peace-building efforts in many ways. The international community can invest time, treasures and talent into the peace and reconciliation process. Whether as facilitators, conveners, trauma healers, faith leaders, academics, historians, journalists, legal minds, celebrities, artists, athletes, international students, businesses, philanthropy or governments, the path toward lasting peace will require a unified effort. If the nations of Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to their participation, there can be a role for everyone with the proper vetting and coordination.