Azerbaijan’ s foreign policy as a middle power and its role in promoting regional peace

In the contemporary system of international relations, the influence of states is determined not only by their territorial size or population, but also by their diplomatic activism, economic potential, military capabilities, and capacity to shape international processes. From this perspective, the Republic of Azerbaijan, with its growing influence at both regional and global levels in recent years, may be characterized as a state possessing middle-power status, writes Dr. Matin Mammadli, Head of Department at the Baku-based Center of Analysis of İnternational Relations (AİR Center).

In the theory of international relations, middle powers, although lacking the extensive resources of great powers, are nevertheless capable of exerting significant influence on regional and global developments through active diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and international initiatives¹. Middle powers generally prioritize the preservation of international stability, the strengthening of multilateral institutions, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomatic means.

Following the restoration of its independence, Azerbaijan formulated its foreign policy on the principles of safeguarding national interests, strengthening sovereignty, and expanding international cooperation. Particularly during the last two decades, the country’s economic development, enhanced military capabilities, and increased diplomatic activism have substantially reinforced Azerbaijan’s position as a middle power within the international system. Several important factors justify Azerbaijan’s classification as a middle power. First, the country pursues an active and multidimensional foreign policy. Azerbaijan actively participates in numerous international platforms, including the Organization of Turkic States, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the OSCE and the United Nations².

The initiatives advanced within these organizations expand Azerbaijan’s opportunities for multilateral diplomacy and enhance its international standing. Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2023 constituted one of the clearest indicators of its growing international prestige. In particular, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Azerbaijan’s initiative to convene an online Summit Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement and to provide assistance to developing countries may be regarded as a contribution to global solidarity.
Another important factor underlying Azerbaijan’s middle-power status is its balanced foreign policy course. Official Baku seeks to establish mutually beneficial relations with diverse geopolitical centers of power, including Türkiye, the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, and the broader Muslim world.

This policy enables Azerbaijan to maintain strategic flexibility within a changing international environment. The country’s geostrategic location is also of particular significance. Azerbaijan is situated at the intersection of the East–West and North–South transportation corridors. Projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars Railway, the Middle Corridor, and the International North–South Transport Corridor strengthen Azerbaijan’s role as a regional connectivity and logistics hub.

Energy diplomacy constitutes one of the principal pillars of Azerbaijan’s international influence. Through projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, and TAP, Azerbaijan has become an important partner in ensuring Europe’s energy security³. Particularly following the Russia–Ukraine war, Azerbaijan’s role in the European Union’s policy of diversifying energy sources has increased significantly.

In addition, Azerbaijan possesses one of the strongest military capabilities in the region. The victory achieved during the Second Karabakh War in 2020 and the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity substantially increased Azerbaijan’s military capabilities and strategic weight. The combination of military strength with diplomatic capacity is among the key factors reinforcing Azerbaijan’s status as a middle power.

Azerbaijan’s contributions to regional and global peace as a middle power

One of the defining characteristics of middle powers is their commitment to promoting international stability and cooperation. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy has likewise been shaped in this direction. For many years, Azerbaijan has served as a host and organizer of international platforms promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held within the framework of the Baku Process, contributes to strengthening mutual understanding among different civilizations.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan actively participates in various international humanitarian initiatives and provides support to developing countries. During its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, initiatives aimed at defending the interests of the countries of the Global South strengthened the country’s position as a constructive actor within the international system⁴.
An important indicator of Azerbaijan’s growing international prestige is its hosting of major global events.

The holding of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku in 2024 demonstrated the confidence placed in the country by the international community and its capacity to contribute to the global climate agenda. COP29 is of particular importance in strengthening dialogue between developed and developing countries on issues of climate finance, the green transition, and sustainable development.

Likewise, international platforms such as the World Urban Forum (WUF), held in Baku, promote global cooperation in the fields of sustainable urban development, urbanization, and inclusive governance. Such events further consolidate Azerbaijan’s position as a middle power that actively promotes dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable development not only at the regional but also at the global level.

Azerbaijan also contributes to increasing economic interdependence and strengthening regional stability through regional transportation and energy projects. According to theories of international relations, economic integration and interdependence are among the most important factors reducing the risk of conflict.

In this regard, the regional projects initiated by Azerbaijan possess significance not only from an economic perspective but also in terms of security. In recent years, Azerbaijan’s role as a platform for mediation and dialogue has also attracted attention. The organization of various international events and high-level meetings in Baku serves as evidence of the country’s diplomatic capabilities and its image as a reliable partner.

One of the principal priorities of Azerbaijan’s regional foreign policy is the achievement of a sustainable and comprehensive peace with Armenia⁵. The new geopolitical realities that emerged after the 2020 war have created opportunities for long-term peacebuilding in the region. In the post-conflict period, Official Baku has advanced initiatives aimed at normalizing relations and concluding a peace agreement. The principles proposed by Azerbaijan—including the mutual recognition of territorial integrity, the delimitation and demarcation of borders, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and the opening of transportation and communication links—are based on the fundamental norms of international law. The signing of a peace agreement with Armenia could contribute not only to the normalization of bilateral relations but also to the establishment of a broader environment of security and cooperation throughout the South Caucasus. In this regard, Azerbaijan presents the peace agenda as one of the principal prerequisites for regional development.

The achievement of peace could facilitate the expansion of economic integration, the opening of transportation routes, and the transformation of the South Caucasus into a more significant geoeconomic center within the Eurasian space. Thus, the peace process with Armenia represents a foreign policy priority that serves not only Azerbaijan’s national interests but also the broader goals of regional stability and cooperation.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan has emerged in recent years as a state possessing middle-power status through its active diplomacy, balanced foreign policy, energy and transportation diplomacy, military capabilities, and international initiatives. The country’s foreign policy is oriented toward promoting stability, cooperation, and sustainable development at both regional and global levels. Azerbaijan’s active participation in multilateral diplomacy, its initiatives within international organizations, and its regional cooperation projects strengthen its position as a constructive actor within the international system.

At the same time, efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace with Armenia remain one of the principal priorities of Azerbaijan’s regional policy. Consequently, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy as a middle power serves not only to secure national interests but also to strengthen sustainable peace, security, and cooperation in the South Caucasus and beyond.

References

1. Cooper, A. F., Higgott, R. A., & Nossal, K. R. (1993). Relocating Middle Powers: Australia and Canada in a Changing World Order. Vancouver: UBC Press.
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (2024). Foreign Policy Priorities of Azerbaijan.
3. European Commission. (2023). EU-Azerbaijan Energy Cooperation and Southern Gas Corridor.
4. United Nations. (2023). Non-Aligned Movement and South-South Cooperation Reports.
5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. (2024). Foreign Policy Priorities of Azerbaijan.

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