Azerbaijan’s Asian Perspective: Security and Cooperation

Evolving geopolitical tensions among global powers are exacerbating security and economic issues worldwide, challenging the post-Cold War international order, and exposing the shortcomings of international law. The Caspian region, pivotal for trade and security, faces heightened pressures as the major powers attempt to sway the region’s countries into exclusive alliances. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy prioritizes regional autonomy, upholding sovereignty, and enhancing multilateral partnerships to safeguard its independence and security. Following the Second Garabagh War, Azerbaijan has bolstered regional cooperation, notably with Central Asia, to strengthen ties through shared cultural and strategic interests. Azerbaijan’s role in multilateral organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), positions it as a significant regional player. Investments in transit infrastructure, such as the Middle Corridor and the ‘Digital Silk Way’ project, enhance Azerbaijan’s role as a Eurasian logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan’s deepening partnerships within these frameworks reflect its commitment to regional stability, economic resilience, and a balanced foreign policy that fosters collective security and prosperity across Asia and beyond.

Authors: Farid Shafiyev and Roza Bayramli
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