This article seeks to present a fresh academic perspective on Azerbaijan’s growing international standing and activism via the prism of scholarly debate on middle powers. It is argued that Azerbaijan, by virtue of its international initiatives and growing prestige, and having assumed the role of a norm entrepreneur, should no longer be characterized as a small state – despite its small geographic size – but as a middle power that demonstrates a high sense of global responsibility and supports international organizations, international development cooperation, sustainable development, global partnerships, multilateralism, multiculturalism, interfaith dialogue, etc. – principles that scholars in academia ascribe as the characteristics of middle powers. By acting as a norm entrepreneur on a global stage, Azerbaijan has the status of a middle power that also stands for collective gains and mutually beneficial partnerships.