The 2020 Homeland War: Historical Outcomes and Geopolitical Significance

Abstract.Relevance. The 2020 Homeland War of Azerbaijan marked a decisive turning point in the evolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and had a profound impact on the security architecture of the South Caucasus. The resolution of a protracted conflict through military means brought to the forefront critical issues related to the restoration of territorial integrity, the effectiveness of international mediation mechanisms, and the transformation of regional and extra-regional geopolitics. The events of 2020 also revealed significant changes in the nature of modern warfare and regional power relations.Purpose. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical outcomes of the 2020 Homeland War and to assess its geopolitical significance for the South Caucasus in the context of shifting regional balances of power and security arrangements.Results. The study demonstrates that the war resulted in the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, a substantial reconfiguration of the regional balance of power, and the emergence of a new security architecture in the South Caucasus. It highlights the growing role of modern military technologies, particularly high-precision weapons and unmanned systems, as well as the increased influence of external actors on regional political and security dynamics.Conclusions. The article concludes that the 2020 Homeland War was not merely the culmination of a specific phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but rather the beginning of a new stage in the political and geopolitical development of the South Caucasus. The findings indicate that the consequences of the war will have a long-term impact on regional stability, international relations, and approaches to conflict resolution.