Peace or Powerplay? Yerevan, Baku Speak on Foreign Influence

Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.

From world powers to regional neighbours, all publicly declare support for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But the voices on the ground speak with more nuance.

Farhad Rzayev in Baku questions outside intentions. "France, Russia, America, they don’t favour us,” he says. “Everyone has their own agenda. If Armenia were left alone, it would reconcile with Azerbaijan. But they are provoked.”

For others, the solution is straightforward. Elgardash Mammadov, also from Baku, puts it plainly. “If peace is to be achieved, it must come from dialogue between the two nations. Outside involvement only complicates matters.”

In both cities, there is consensus. Not everyone trusts the intentions of foreign powers. Russia, in particular, is named again and again, seen as a player more interested in prolonging influence than resolving conflict.

Yet not all foreign engagement is viewed with suspicion. Asma Gurbanova voices a conditional openness. “If their aim is peace, I welcome it. But if it is to fuel conflict, then we don’t need them.”

The shared sentiment is simple: this peace must belong to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Negotiated by them.
Owned by them.
Protected by them.

From Baku to Yerevan, one message echoes through different words: peace must not be imported, it must be built. Not by power brokers with distant interests, but by neighbours who share borders, burdens, and history.

The wounds are deep, but so is the wisdom of those who have lived through the pain. And if their voices are truly heard—not managed, not mediated—then perhaps this time, peace will be more than a promise. It will be a choice.

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