Azerbaijan's Soviet and post-Soviet political history has been tumultuous and varied, particularly with regard to the struggle for independence, democracy, and sovereignty. Suha Bolukbasi here illustrates how post-Stalin resilience, the tolerance shown toward subtle nationalist expression, and Gorbachev's relaxation of central control from Moscow were all, in-part, responsible for the initial emergence of a more liberal atmosphere in Azerbaijan. As a result, issues such as Moscow's responsibility for environmental degradation, the depletion of Azerbaijan's oil, and unfavorable terms of trade have all begun to be freely discussed. However, the Azerbaijan-Armenia dispute over Karabagh has had a dramatic impact on the political discourse. The dispute has become not only an international conflict, but one which involves the lives of more than one million refugees. This book shows how Azerbaijan's recent political history -- both domestic and international -- has influenced the development of the country and the history of the surrounding region.

Includes bibliographic references (p. [221]-282) and index.

Pre-Soviet era and Sovietization -- Azerbaijan during the Soviet era -- Armenia claims mountainous Karabagh: start of hostilities -- Inter-communal fighting and ethnic cleansing -- Black January and after -- Baku courts Moscow while the ANM comes to power in Yerevan -- The road to independence.