The factors determining the foreign policy of Azerbaijan Since independence the public debate in Azerbaijan on foreign political issues, first of all on foreign political issues, does not stop. While Armenia and Georgia quickly defined the priorities of foreign policy, Azerbaijan is still forming foreign strategic relations, which places it in the same row with Central Asian states. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is based on the impunity and animal instincts of the society. Despite the critical attitude of the international community Azerbaijan’s policy remains egotistic and ugly. Back in the late 19th century a specific worldview and expectations from Turkey formed in the territory of Azerbaijan. While Turkey has not lived up to the expectations of the Azerbaijani society, it does not mean that it has lost its positions in Azerbaijan. Turkey provides significant assistance to Azerbaijan on the international arena. In the period of declaration of independence in Azerbaijan Turkey was going through a new stage of its political and economic development and intended to accelerate the process of integration with the West and gain new positions in Eurasia. In this respect, the Turkish elite feared involvement in Azerbaijani issues not to lose more important prospects. The open conflict with Armenia and Russia and Iran respectively was not part of Turkey’s plan. Besides, the United States and Europe play a significant role in containing Turkey. Azerbaijan’s “childhood decease” of expectations from Turkey did not fade away immediately. During the meeting of Heidar Aliyev and Suleiman Demirel in April 1998 the scope, persistence and rules of the relations between the two states were defined. These arrangements involved such priorities as: - solution of energy issues, layout of interregional infrastructures as a basis of systemic communication; - despite the demands of the society, refrain from accelerating the solution of the Karabakh issue, accept the lasting economic and political blockade of Armenia and try to subordinate Armenia to the interests of the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc; - Azerbaijan should not have initiated military actions without a close cooperation with Turkey and unless it is fully ready. This arrangement became not only the basis of foreign policy but also state building, including the current stage due to the internal and external political activity of Ilham Aliyev. It turned out that Turkey’s less fundamental policy on Azerbaijan’s issues is more effective and pragmatic, has led to a realistic policy development and enabled achieving more significant positions internationally. In the recent years the entire Azerbaijani elite and opposition perceived these realities adequately. Turkey’s more fundamental political forces shared the views and do not put forth claims to the Azerbaijani issues. In the recent years the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations gained new edges, becoming more systemic, friendly and interested. At...
Read full story
