In an era of enduring global security crises and evolving governance structures, Azerbaijan has emerged as a pivotal player on the world stage. With its strategic location and energy resources, the country has manoeuvred adeptly through complex geopolitical landscapes, both regionally and globally. Straddling Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan occupies a critical position at the intersection of energy routes and strategic influence, which has only heightened its geopolitical importance in recent years.
Geopolitical Significance and Energy Power
Azerbaijan's strategic location plays a vital role in its position as a key hub for international energy and transport corridors. Nestled between powerhouses like Russia, Iran, and Türkiye, with access to the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has leveraged its position to become a key energy supplier to both Europe and Asia. The country’s role in projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor (TANAP and TAP) has provided vital natural gas to European markets, significantly reducing the European Union’s dependence on Russian energy supplies.
Amid energy shortages and crises caused by sanctions on Russia, Azerbaijan’s status as a key supplier has only grown. In this context, the country has strategically positioned itself as an indispensable partner for Europe, enhancing its leverage on the international stage.
Regional Successes and Challenges
Regionally, Azerbaijan’s most significant recent achievement was its victory in the 44-day war in 2020, which restored the country’s control over Karabakh. This military success not only reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity but also established it as a dominant force in the South Caucasus. The conflict culminated in a trilateral agreement brokered by Russia, yet Azerbaijan’s increasing assertiveness has since allowed it to redefine its regional partnerships, particularly strengthening ties with Türkiye and Western nations.
One of Azerbaijan’s foremost regional ambitions is the unblocking of vital transport corridors, notably the Zangezur Corridor, which would connect the country to its Nakhchivan exclave and, ultimately, Türkiye. This corridor holds immense strategic significance for economic and military cooperation between Baku and Ankara. However, political tensions with Armenia and Iran present significant obstacles to its realisation. Analysts assert that if the Zangezur Corridor becomes operational, it will unlock new geopolitical opportunities for Azerbaijan, cementing its influence across the region.
Economic Diversification and Global Integration
Azerbaijan understands the necessity of diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, investing heavily in non-energy sectors such as logistics and infrastructure. The Baku International Sea Trade Port has become a critical hub for transit between Europe and Asia, positioning Azerbaijan as a key player in global supply chains. Strategic projects like TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) and the Middle Corridor underline Azerbaijan’s commitment to establishing itself as a global logistics hub amidst ongoing global trade disruptions.
Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, recently highlighted the nation’s ambitions: “Azerbaijan aims to transform into a global logistics hub, connecting major economic centres across Europe and Asia.” This vision is part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties with both Eastern and Western partners, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s global standing.
Diplomatic Ambitions and Global Goals
Azerbaijan is an active player in international diplomacy, engaging with key organisations such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Its chairmanship of NAM since 2019 has allowed Azerbaijan to amplify its voice on the global stage, advocating for sovereignty and respect for international law. At the 2023 NAM summit, President Aliyev reiterated the importance of multilateralism: “Azerbaijan remains committed to multilateral dialogue and the respect for international laws, which are the cornerstone of global peace and stability.”
Beyond diplomacy, Azerbaijan has also taken significant steps toward addressing global challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change. In 2023, the country unveiled an ambitious strategy to develop its green energy sector and reduce carbon emissions. These efforts not only underscore Azerbaijan’s desire to diversify its economy but also position it as a leader in renewable energy within the Caspian region.
... Azerbaijan’s growing role in both regional and global politics reflects its strategic ambitions and achievements in enhancing its geopolitical influence. With its prime geographic location, abundant energy resources, and active diplomatic outreach, the country is steadily positioning itself as a key player in international affairs. Amid global instability and shifting governance structures, Azerbaijan has proven its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and advance its strategic interests.
As a reliable partner for Europe, particularly in energy security, Azerbaijan is simultaneously building strong relationships with Eastern powers, reinforcing its role as a crucial bridge between the East and West. Through its focus on infrastructure development, energy diversification, and diplomatic engagement, Azerbaijan is poised to maintain and expand its influence on the global stage for years to come.
Azerbaijan’s Role Amidst Global Security and Governance Crises
The modern geopolitical landscape increasingly underscores the vulnerabilities and challenges in global security and governance systems. This crisis affects nearly every level of international relations—spanning political, economic, and social spheres—and forces countries to rethink their strategies and adjust to new realities. In this context, Azerbaijan, with its strategic geographical location and vast energy resources, occupies a crucial role.
Geopolitical Position of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia grants it immense strategic value, making it an important player for global powers. Baku finds itself at the nexus of interests involving countries like Russia, Iran, Türkiye, and Western states. The situation in the South Caucasus demands constant vigilance, and our country must consider all external and internal challenges. This insight reflects Azerbaijan’s awareness that the current global security environment necessitates strategic foresight and adaptability.
The conclusion of the 44-day war in 2020 further solidified Azerbaijan’s geopolitical standing in the South Caucasus, as it regained control of Karabakh. This victory reshaped the region’s power dynamics and offered Baku new opportunities for international cooperation. Azerbaijan has since emerged as a key player in Europe’s energy security, contributing to such projects as the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), both of which deliver Caspian gas to European markets.
Energy Security as an Instrument of Influence
Against the backdrop of a global energy crisis, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts like the war in Ukraine, energy resources have become a critical component of geopolitical power. Azerbaijan, rich in oil and gas reserves, plays a vital role in maintaining energy security, particularly for Europe. In recent years, the European Union has accelerated its efforts to diversify energy sources, with Azerbaijan becoming a key partner in this strategy. In 2022, President Aliyev reaffirmed this role, noting: “Azerbaijan continues to play an important part in delivering oil and gas to European markets, ensuring the region’s energy security.”
According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2023, Azerbaijan is a leading exporter of oil and gas among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), ensuring steady supplies to global markets. This solidifies Azerbaijan’s position as a key player on the world’s energy stage. Amid the broader global security crisis, Azerbaijan’s energy resources have served as a powerful tool to strengthen its international influence. This was underscored by the signing of new agreements with the European Union in 2023, which sought to expand gas exports to meet rising European demand.
Impact on Regional Conflicts and Security
The global security crisis is also inextricably linked to regional conflicts. Azerbaijan remains at the heart of complex, long-standing disputes, particularly with Armenia. The ceasefire reached following the second Karabakh war marked a significant step toward stabilising the region, although tensions remain high. Critical issues such as the final demarcation of borders and the status of the Armenian population in Karabakh continue to exert pressure on the negotiation process.
Russia, which has traditionally served as a mediator between Baku and Yerevan, has seen its influence in the region diminish, exacerbated by its military actions in Ukraine and weakened standing on the global stage. This created a vacuum that Azerbaijan has been keen to fill, strengthening its ties with Türkiye. In 2021, the two nations signed a military cooperation agreement, further solidifying Ankara’s role as one of Baku’s closest security and defence partners.
Azerbaijan and Global Governance
In the context of a global governance crisis—marked by the weakening of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization—Azerbaijan has sought to expand its influence by engaging with organisations like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of NAM in 2019, giving the country a platform to advocate for developing nations and engage in discussions on global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic inequality.
Azerbaijan’s Role in Global Trade
The global trade crisis, spurred by sanctions and protectionism, has also affected Azerbaijan’s role in the world economy. Situated along the historic Silk Road, Azerbaijan has been investing heavily in infrastructure to facilitate trade between Europe and Asia. The Baku International Sea Trade Port, the largest in the Caspian region, has become a critical hub in transit corridors such as TRACECA and the Middle Corridor, solidifying Azerbaijan’s position as a vital player in global logistics.
In the wake of crises impacting global trade routes—such as the 2021 blockage of the Suez Canal—the importance of alternative routes has risen sharply. Azerbaijan, through investments in rail and port infrastructure, now plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and reliability of international trade. This further strengthens its position as a major logistics hub in Eurasia.
Conclusion
In the face of ongoing global security and governance crises, Azerbaijan has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Its strategic location, coupled with its vast energy resources and active foreign policy, positions Baku as a key player in addressing both regional and global challenges. As international institutions weaken and global instability grows, Azerbaijan’s role as a major actor in global security and governance is poised to expand even further.
Through strategic investments in infrastructure, energy diversification, and international diplomacy, Azerbaijan is well-prepared to maintain and increase its influence on the world stage for years to come. As a reliable partner for Europe, particularly in energy security, Azerbaijan also fosters strong relationships with Eastern powers, establishing itself as a vital bridge between East and West.