Reconsidering Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy on the 25th Anniversary of Restored Independence

Year 2017, Volume: 22 Issue: 1, 29 - 48, 01.04.2017

Arastu Habibbeyli

Abstract

2016 marked the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s state independence. Able to reinstate independence twice in the past century- in 1918 and 1991- Azerbaijan carries on its ancient and prolific tradition of statehood. This also means twice ridding itself of occupation in a single century and makes state sovereignty the greatest accomplishment and asset for the country. Throughout a 25 year journey under such complicated circumstances, Azerbaijan has gone from being a country with a stagnant economy to becoming the leader nation in the South Caucasus. This nation has become a reliable energy security partner, and has evolved from being a recipient of international aid to a donor country. Initially, an average member of the international community, Azerbaijan eventually reached the level of non-permanent member of the UN Security Council 20122013 . This article reviews the evolution of the foreign policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan over the last 25 years

Keywords

Azerbaijan, Independence, Energy Security, Balanced and Multi-Vector Foreign Policy, Transportation Corridor.

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