INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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 United States , their relationship is pretty useful
The United States values what Azerbaijan provides for energy and counterterrorism, however there have been some bumps due to human rights
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
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
This short article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times
