Being located between the Black and Caspian seas, Azerbaijan has always been the juncture of Eurasia—with a traditional reputation as a crossroads between the north-south and east-west transport corridors—and the traditional ground for competition between numerous regional and global players, using both soft and hard power. With its vast hydrocarbon energy reserves, Azerbaijan is a country of particular importance in the South Caucasus. The region’s complex geopolitics have immensely influenced Azerbaijan’s foreign policy strategy. With the dissolution of the USSR, Azerbaijan, as a new state with fragile security, found itself in a complicated situation surrounded by regional powers like Iran, Russia, and Turkey. The book is built around several major foreign policy issues faced by the Republic of Azerbaijan since it regained its independence in 1991. These major issues include the conflict with Armenia and related matters, the relationship with the West, as well as the complexities arising from its relationship with Russia and its ties to Muslim countries, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.
"Azerbaijan and the New Energy Geopolitics of Southeastern Europe" comes at a critical time when concerns about energy security are growing in the midst of military, economic, and energy conflicts in East and Southeast Europe. As the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor from Azerbaijan to Europe is advancing, natural gas from the Caspian region will challenge the gas monopoly of any single supplier in Southeast Europe, thus changing the geopolitical landscape in the region.An edited volume with ten chapters, this study enhances our understanding of Southeast Europe's energy security and the potential impact of the Southern Gas Corridor. The book focuses attention on Azerbaijan's aspiring role as an energy supplier and contributor to energy security in Southeast Europe, its evolving relations with countries in the region, and, consequently, Baku's expanding relations with the European Union and the United States.
Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. It has a highly strategic geographic position. The country was one of the corridors of the Silk Road used by traders. It was of great importance for the development of international trade. It was also the region's main artery, or «geopolitical pivot».
The over-riding objective of Azerbaijan's foreign policy has been to secure a solution to the longstanding conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh on Azerbaijan's terms. Consequently, Azerbaijan's foreign policy is focused primarily on strengthening ties with those states and organizations that are perceived as willing and able to help it achieve that objective. Azerbaijan's motivation for prioritizing a solution to the Karabakh conflict is two-fold. First, to remove the long-term security threat posed by the existence on Azerbaijani territory of an Armenian-populated enclave with a highly trained military. And second, to enhance Azerbaijan's international prestige and further its aspiration to parlay its Caspian hydrocarbon wealth into the status of the dominant power in the South Caucasus. The fundamental constraints Azerbaijan faces in pursuing these twin objectives result from its geographical location, between the Caspian and the Black Sea, bordering on Russia to the north and Iran to the south. Azerbaijan's geopolitical environment has impelled Azerbaijan to pursue a maximally balanced and pragmatic foreign policy necessitating a "compartmentalization" of bilateral relations with its neighbours and global partners.
This study describes the geopolitical importance of Azerbaijan's natural resources. The argument presented includes both empirical data as well as expert opinions from diplomats.
Explore the turbulent tides of our world's changing landscape in 'The Global Geopolitical Landscape and Rising Tensions.' This gripping book delves into the heart of international politics, providing an incisive analysis of the rising tensions that shape our uncertain future. From power struggles between superpowers to the delicate web of alliances that define our global order, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the forces shaping our world. Discover the key players, their motivations, and the intricate dance of diplomacy and conflict that keeps our planet in constant flux. Unearth the secrets behind rising tensions in regions hotspots, such as the South China Sea, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Gain insights into the impact of technology, climate change, and economic disparities on the geopolitical stage. With expert analysis and vivid storytelling, 'The Global Geopolitical Landscape and Rising Tensions' equips you to navigate the uncharted waters of our uncertain future. It's an essential read for anyone who wants to comprehend the forces that will define our world in the years to come. Don't be caught unprepared; arm yourself with knowledge and foresight. Grab your copy today and be ready to decipher the complex geopolitical puzzle that influences our world's destiny. Get ready to shape your future with a deeper understanding of our global geopolitical landscape!
Countries situated mainly between China and the European Union are currently participating in a race to develop their transport, trade and logistics infrastructure to attract at least one of the threads of Silk Road that will carry goods and people across Eurasia. It is believed that development of the Europe-South Caucasus-Asia transport, trade and logistics infrastructure will reduce the cost of production and services, which are important to raise competitiveness and social well-being. Although the Europe-South Caucasus-Asia transport route is a shortcut way between the two continents, the soft and hard infrastructure along this way is not enough developed to meet the emerging demand for goods and passenger turnover. Huge investments required for the development of these routes could be invested by development banks (WB, EBRD, EIB, ADB, AIIB, IDB, BSTDB, ECO bank, and so on), governments and private sector. Different types of infrastructure financing models, including public private partnerships, for the upgrading of relevant infrastructure are options on the table to discuss further. Moreover, harmonization of standards, reducing procedures, electronisation of facilities and co-ordination of activities require a new approach and many adaptations. The Europe-South Caucasus-Asia transport, trade and logistics nexus and the International North-South Transport Corridor are not only economic projects, but also carry political elements, which are backed by certain political agendas. However, it is clear that any type of old Silk Road revival initiative will drive many countries to develop their infrastructure as well as superstructure and coordinate this with other participating countries, which as a result will be beneficial for all of them. It is also believed that every single country may benefit and generate revenues from old Silk Road revival process in case of possible collabouration with its neighbouring countries. Azerbaijan enjoys an advantageous geographical position at a crossroads of East-West and North-South corridors, which leads the country to become a regional transport, production, and trade and logistics hub. The country makes huge investments into its own infrastructure as well as supports certain other neighbouring countries. Within this framework, common will based on the reciprocity and mutual benefit can foster enhanced cooperation along with the Great Silk Road and International North- South Transportation Corridor projects.
This book presents a comprehensive overview of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the long-running dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Armenian-held enclave within Azerbaijan. It outlines the historical development of the dispute, explores the political and social aspects of the conflict, examines the wars over the territory including the war of 2020 which resulted in a significant Azeri victory, and discusses the international dimensions.
