TEHRAN - Azerbaijans diplomacy is defined by a strategic balance between major global powers and its regional next-door neighbors.
This technique enables Azerbaijan to keep its independence and use its geopolitical position as leverage.The nations foreign policy has been formed by its energy resources, strategic location, and historic conflicts, particularly the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Azerbaijans relations with the West, Russia, and neighboring nations are complicated and complex, which shows its practical view of diplomacy and financial cooperation.Azerbaijans foreign policy has been concentrated on the re-establishment of territorial stability considering that getting independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, specifically relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute with Armenia.
National leader Heydar Aliyev started to pursue a diplomacy based upon the concept of state sovereignty, secularism, and a balance of worldwide relations.President Ilham Aliyev has actually continued this effort with a focus on independence in foreign affairs and refusing to receive instructions from external stars, trying to promote Azerbaijan as a center of local cooperation and peace.Energy diplomacy, security modernization, and diplomatic balancing are the three main elements of Azerbaijans foreign policy.Azerbaijan is working hard to be a reputable energy provider for Europe by utilizing its resources and buying renewable energy.
On the military front, it wants to construct a strong and independent defense with aid from key partners.Diplomatically, Baku is trying to balance its ties with Russia and its negotiations with Western nations while preserving a close partnership with Turkey.
This well-rounded method intends to enhance Azerbaijans independence, motivate cooperation in the area, and enhance stability in the South Caucasus.Energy, pragmatism, and political frictionwith WestAzerbaijan is working hard to place itself as a dependable energy source for Europe, while also focusing on renewable resource and the energy shift.
On the military front, the nation intends to strengthen its forces with help from key allies.Diplomatically, Baku is balancing its ties with Russia and engaging with Western nations, while maintaining a strong partnership with Turkey.
This method not just enhances Azerbaijans self-reliance however also sets the phase for better local cooperation and stability in the South Caucasus.Azerbaijans energy materials play a crucial function in its relationship with the West.
Key projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor have actually helped in reducing Europes reliance on Russian energy, making Azerbaijan better strategically.In July 2022, the EU and Azerbaijan consented to double gas exports to Europe by 2027 as part of efforts to diversify energy sources following the Ukraine crisis.
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, stated that Azerbaijan is a crucial partner for our energy security.
Reports show that Azerbaijani gas comprised about 5% of EU imports in 2023, with plans for further growth.Azerbaijan isnt part of NATO, but it has actually sent troops to help out in objectives like the one in Afghanistan.
It keeps a good relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace, however takes care not to get too near to the West since of stress with Russia and Iran.When it concerns the U.S., their relationship is pretty useful.
The U.S.
values what Azerbaijan provides for energy and counterterrorism, however there have been some bumps due to human rights and democracy issues.
Groups like Freedom House and Human Rights Watch often slam Azerbaijans policies, but those concerns havent taken control of their discussions.Azerbaijans economic and military ties with RussiaRussia is a key partner for Azerbaijan, but the relationship is complicated.
In 2023, trade in between the 2 reached over $4 billion, making Russia Azerbaijans second-biggest trading partner after Turkey, according to regional custom-mades data.Theres also military cooperation, with Azerbaijan purchasing sophisticated weapons from Russia.
In recent years, theyve been looking more to Turkey and Israel for supplies.Azerbaijan is careful about Russias political influence.
Unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan hasnt signed up with companies like the Collective Security Treaty Organization or the Eurasian Economic Union, which helps it keep some range from Moscow.The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War changed things up.
Azerbaijan won decisively with assistance from Turkey and Israeli drones, which moved the balance in the region.
Russia stepped back in by brokering the ceasefire and sending 2,000 peacekeepers to the area.While their presence is meant to keep things steady, it also offers Russia some take advantage of over both Baku and Yerevan.
Azerbaijan has bewared to stress that the Russian peacekeepers exist temporarily, based on the ceasefire agreement.The war in Ukraine has added another layer of intricacy.
Azerbaijan has actually remained neutral and hasnt outright condemned Russias actions.
Still, they have provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine and are associated with post-war rebuilding efforts, revealing assistance for Kyiv while trying not to disturb Moscow.Bridges and borders in relations with neighborsAzerbaijan is concentrating on building strong relationships with its neighbors, generally Iran and Turkey, while thinking about historical, cultural, and economic elements.
Recently, its ties with Iran have gotten a boost through top-level check outs and more financial cooperation, revealing that both nations care about stability and trade in the region.
Iran sees Azerbaijan as an essential partner, especially offered their shared culture and religion, and both are wanting to collaborate more amidst wider geopolitical challenges.Turkey is an essential ally for Azerbaijan, sharing close ties in politics, military, and energy.
Their teamwork is clear in joint energy jobs and mutual support during local concerns.
Azerbaijan also uses its relationship with Turkey to grow its impact in the Middle East and somewhere else, utilizing diplomatic efforts to get in touch with other nations.On the other hand, the relationship with Armenia is still tense due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Regardless of this, current diplomatic relocations and EU involvement show there may be a mindful step towards normalization.
Armenias attempts to engage with Russia, particularly as tensions with Azerbaijan grow, reflect continuous regional power struggles.Azerbaijans diplomacy is everything about keeping balance in a world thats increasingly divided.
By utilizing its energy resources sensibly, forming strategic alliances, and being versatile in its diplomacy, Baku has actually made substantial strides in maintaining its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and importance on the international stage.Still, obstacles are ahead.
The future of Nagorno-Karabakh doubts, local peace is vulnerable, and theres rising competitors between Russia and the West along with consistent tensions with Iran.
How well Baku manages these difficulties without leaning excessive towards one side will be essential for its function as a local power broker in the South Caucasus.For now, Azerbaijans diplomacy is a tip of both the opportunities and dangers small nations deal with in todays complex world.
This short article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times