@article{article_1601608, title={Limits of Generational Change on Democratization: The Case of Azerbaijan}, journal={Olgu Sosyoloji Dergisi}, volume={4}, pages={1–11}, year={2025}, DOI={10.58632/olgusos.1601608}, author={Ataşer, Gökhan Alper}, keywords={Azerbaycan, demokratikleşme, yeni kuşak, post-Sovyet, beyin göçü}, abstract={This article is dealing with the possible impact of generational change on democratization before the full consolidation of authoritarian regime in mid-2010s in Azerbaijan. According to some commentators, the authoritarian tendencies in post-Soviet societies, including Azerbaijan was the result of the Soviet-era political socialization. Thus, a generational change in norms and values, especially relevant for young professionals with higher education in foreign countries, was debated as a possible dynamic for democratic society. Based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, as well as a review of literature, I am discussing the possibilities and limits of such generational change. Stability of the authoritarian regime and its capacity for cooptation can be seen as a major source of strength in preventing the so-called “democratic-minded” youth form a social dynamic towards democratic demands. The overall weakness of free economy, civil society and media have a detrimental impact, therefore increasing the disillusionment of the youth. Exposure to Western culture and values are believed to create limits of the educated youth to form ties with the general population. Finally, better material opportunities abroad play an important role in brain-drain, resulting in not with the loss of well-trained professionals but individuals with a democratic understanding of society.}, number={1}, publisher={Samsun Üniversitesi}