The current special issue of the Caucasus Strategic Perspectives (CSP) journal entitled “Azerbaijan as a middle power” is dedicated to the topic of middle powers, their increasing roles in international politics, and the newly found image of Azerbaijan as an assertive and rising middle power. The journal also covers various topics related to middle powers and Azerbaijan’s role as a middle power. The CSP’s special issue includes 5 articles. The authors of the special issue analysed the Azerbaijan’s rising role as a middle power, analysed the applicability of the keystone concept in the case of Silk Road region, explored the new geopolitical grouping of rising middle-power countries, conducted a comparative analysis of the potential of the rising middle powers, etc.