Research Article

Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026)

Volume: 10 Number: 1 May 26, 2026
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Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026)

Abstract

This article examines Azerbaijan’s post-war peace policy through the lens of strategic communication and digital diplomacy between 2020 and 2026. It analyzes how official narratives, media practices, and digital platforms have been used to frame peace initiatives while maintaining information sovereignty. The study applies qualitative discourse analysis to official speeches, policy documents, and digital outputs of state institutions, supported by secondary data from international reports and academic sources. The findings indicate that Azerbaijan’s communication strategy operates within a dual framework: promoting regional normalization and reconciliation while preserving narrative control in a polarized digital information environment. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains contingent upon broader regional dynamics, including constitutional debates in Armenia, societal skepticism, and challenges related to media pluralism. The article argues that while Azerbaijan has developed a coherent and proactive communication model, its long-term success depends on balancing information sovereignty with more inclusive and dialogic communication practices. By situating the case within peace journalism and digital diplomacy frameworks, the study contributes to the literature on post-conflict communication and information governance.

Keywords

References

  1. AMO. (2024). Disinformation resilience in the South Caucasus.
  2. APA Azerbaijan. (2025). Official statements on the peace process and constitutional reform. https://apa.az
  3. Badael. (2016). Peace journalism or war journalism? https://badael.org
  4. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. (2025). Strategic directions for building sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. https://carnegieendowment.org
  5. Castells, M. (2009). Communication power. Oxford University Press.
  6. DataReportal. (2026). Digital 2026: Azerbaijan. https://datareportal.com
  7. Davtyan, E. (2024). Narratives of victory and othering in post-conflict discourse. ResearchGate.
  8. Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51–58.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

European Union-Turkiye Relations, International Relations Theories, International Institutions

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

May 26, 2026

Submission Date

February 2, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

APA
Aliyev, A. (2026). Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026). Bölgesel Araştırmalar Dergisi, 10(1), 93-110. https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB
AMA
1.Aliyev A. Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026). BAD. 2026;10(1):93-110. https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB
Chicago
Aliyev, Aziz. 2026. “Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026)”. Bölgesel Araştırmalar Dergisi 10 (1): 93-110. https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB.
EndNote
Aliyev A (May 1, 2026) Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026). Bölgesel Araştırmalar Dergisi 10 1 93–110.
IEEE
[1]A. Aliyev, “Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026)”, BAD, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 93–110, May 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB
ISNAD
Aliyev, Aziz. “Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026)”. Bölgesel Araştırmalar Dergisi 10/1 (May 1, 2026): 93-110. https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB.
JAMA
1.Aliyev A. Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026). BAD. 2026;10:93–110.
MLA
Aliyev, Aziz. “Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026)”. Bölgesel Araştırmalar Dergisi, vol. 10, no. 1, May 2026, pp. 93-110, https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB.
Vancouver
1.Aziz Aliyev. Strategic Communication and Information Sovereignty: Azerbaijan’s Peace Policy and Digital Diplomacy (2020–2026). BAD [Internet]. 2026 May 1;10(1):93-110. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA87UH48ZB