Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia, patron state, kin-state, bilateral relations, instrumentalization

This chapter presents a systematic analysis of Armenian-Karabakhi relations, which are somewhat different - and considerably more complex - than the typical relations between de facto states and their patrons. First it describes the emergence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the context of its relations with Armenia, its kin-state. The author then analyses Nagorno-Karabakh's influence on political decision-making processes in the Republic of Armenia, as well as the Armenian influence on the Karabakhi political elite; the main focus here is on informal aspects of Karabakhi-Armenian relations. The author argues that the Republic of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic are two distinct but interdependent political entities.