Final answer:
The policies of the former Soviet Union caused conflict between the Armenians and the Azeri people by exacerbating existing tensions and prioritizing ideological concerns over local ethnic relations. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The policies of the former Soviet Union caused conflict between the Armenians and the Azeri people. This outcome is reflective of the historical tensions and complex relations in the region influenced by external powers. During the Soviet era, the imposition of borders, economic policies, and political systems exacerbated existing ethnic and national tensions. The historical context includes periods of warfare, forced resettlements, and geopolitical strategies aimed at utilizing smaller states as proxies in larger conflicts.
When the Armenians and Azeris found themselves under Soviet policies, these stressors were amplified, further entrenching divisions and leading to conflicts. Moreover, the Cold War atmosphere meant that Soviet foreign policy decisions often prioritized ideological concerns over local ethnic and communal relations, sometimes to the detriment of these communities. The correct option for the provided question is 'c. Caused conflict'.