New Challenges and a General Overview of Azerbaijan’S Foreign Policy

JOURNAL OF CRITICAL REVIEWS

ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 18, 2020

NEW CHALLENGES AND A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF AZERBAIJAN’S FOREIGN POLICY

Assoc.prof. Nabiyev Bakhtiyar

Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan E-mail: [email protected]

Summary: Each state is faced with the task of creating an independent national and stable statehood, increasing its geopolitical importance and developing an appropriate foreign policy, military structure and socio-economic mechanisms. The form and organization of the implementation of national geopolitical goals, its nature and potential goals and resources are considered. It is important to determine the model of state actions within the framework of certain geopolitical realities, to justify the structural structures of the model, its components and factors that directly affect the design of the model. Thus, conceptual geopolitical activity, which can lead to any fundamental and sustainable development, is successful. For this, it is necessary to carry out systematic and national studies, analyze the resources of domestic and foreign policy, identify the realities of the existing landscape and lay the foundations for future development. The purpose of the study is to identify new challenges and common views on the foreign policy of Azerbaijan, to identify how Azerbaijan’s foreign policy meets these views. The research methodology includes the use of qualitative methods, including content analysis, discourse analysis, analysis of existing rules, documents, recommendations, research papers, experience, as well as expert criticism of foreign policy. In addition, a strong empirical background and a descriptive research method are used in this study. The scientific novelty of the article is the researching of new world challenges for the first time in the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. To achieve geopolitical goals, it is necessary to build up alternative national research centers and improve their logistics.

Conclusion. It is important to create alternative national research centers and improve their logistics to achieve geopolitical goals. This is necessary for the development of scientific initiative and models of national development. In this regard, the legal and political foundations of the process of forming national interests were identified. Geopolitical processes play a role in the modern political palette. It becomes clear that one of the important projects in the regulation of the state’s foreign policy is to maintain a balance of national interests in relations with various countries. Keywords: geopolitics, national, historical, development

Introduction .Effective national geopolitical planning with effective and inconsistent methods of geopolitical planning, without taking into account the proper and sustainable promotion of national and regional interests in the country, as well as the competition of “friends” and “enemies” in any geopolitical space. Of course, it will be impossible. Therefore, many countries are moving towards achieving their own interests by creating models of national geopolitical activity that are most adapted to the real geopolitical situation. We can see this on the example of Russia, Iran, Turkey and the USA, France and Great Britain, which have great historical experience and opportunities in our neighborhood. Each of these countries is taking serious measures, as it claims to dominate certain geopolitical regions. Development of long-term, medium-term and short-term plans. They use the military, financial, demographic and informational capabilities of the campaign.

In the geopolitical space, they value the capabilities of countries and allies, international universal organizations that will become allies and competitors. They work on change scenarios based on rational logic.

The main goal of the article is to identify new challenges and common views on the foreign policy of Azerbaijan, to identify how Azerbaijan’s foreign policy meets these views.

In the changing world and regional realities, the Republic of Azerbaijan can achieve a high and long-term geopolitical advantage in the context of civil, and sometimes military or paramilitary rivalry, and can influence the country's development in the short, medium and long term. He defined his strategic mission to create a model

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JOURNAL OF CRITICAL REVIEWS

ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 18, 2020

of possible national geopolitical activity, focusing his socio-economic and diplomatic, military and financial resources around this goal. To take this path, the model of national development is called upon to become a leader in the South Caucasus region and act as an active and dynamic subject of the country's global geopolitical system. What does it mean? In accordance with the strategy of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, reflecting the political will of the Azerbaijani state [1, p. 659], the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev mobilizes all available opportunities of the state. The proper use of resources and mechanisms will gradually acquire certain geopolitical advantages. Their essence is to serve the goal of a leading country. But they can manifest themselves in different aspects. For example, Azerbaijan is a participant in a number of international projects and shows that our country is a key player in global processes.

Achieving this goal and achieving goals requires a comprehensive system of measures. Favorable geopolitical conditions around the country and the economic and political situation, which will have a positive impact on the civilization of each country, play an important role in this activity. Thus, our state plays a leading role in the region as an important component of the complex of decisive factors in the implementation of existing geopolitical goals. Politics in this area, as well as the basis of a mechanism adapted to it, can be effective if foreign policies of other countries are taken into account. Analyzing the foreign policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is clear that our state is based on humanistic values in its geopolitics and does not take into account the principle of what is at stake. It also takes into account the legal rights of both the region and the countries of the world. It even gives Armenia a chance for "self-correction." It is true that an aggressive state is still not constructive in this regard. Occasionally, aggressive trends arising in it are neutralized by military and other means. This is evidenced by the April war of 2016, which was written in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a regional leader that has already received wide recognition. One of the most powerful means of influence in his hands is the international projects on which he focuses. One of the reasons for the growing authority of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the region is the country's success in the economy and in various aspects of public life. These successes, in particular, are due to the fact that Azerbaijan is at the center of global projects. Azerbaijan has its own policy in resolving regional problems of the world and at the same time creating a positive development of the network of international relations. These successes are based on the oil strategy developed by national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Naturally, the oil strategy of Azerbaijan directly affects the political importance of the country. Starting from 1996, Azerbaijan’s new oil strategy gradually gave positive results, which allowed the country to take serious steps to integrate into the global economy and politics. The successful development of oil fields in Azerbaijan is directly related to the timely construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan trunk export pipeline. The Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan project is lacking, on the one hand, because of its technical, economic, commercial and financial indicators, and on the other hand, because of its characteristics of political and energy security and the interests of many countries of the world.

It should be noted here that the unresolved issue of Nagorno-Karabakh remains a priority in the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. In this regard, the relevant authorities tirelessly work under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijan announced a principled approach to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. According to this approach, Azerbaijan will not allow the creation of a second Armenian state on its territory. Our growing authority, as well as the diversification of our foreign policy mechanisms increase our superiority over Armenia every day. The government of Azerbaijan in the April war once again proved that it can solve the problem by military means at any time. He is interested in the peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno- Karabakh conflict on the basis of humanistic principles, not only by political and diplomatic methods, but also to prevent loss of life. The gradual policy of Armenia has already put itself in a worse position. The country's economy is almost completely controlled by Russian companies. In these conditions, Armenia is not a definite obstacle in the regional leadership of Azerbaijan. On the contrary, even in the country itself, even some politicians and public figures criticize policies that have yielded devastating results. Armenia narrows its ring around itself, lags behind development and begins to lose its significance.

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JOURNAL OF CRITICAL REVIEWS

ISSN- 2394-5125 VOL 7, ISSUE 18, 2020

Azerbaijan, by contrast, is a regional leader that has already received widespread recognition. One of the most powerful means of influence in his hands is the international projects on which he focuses. One of the reasons for the growing authority of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the region is the country's success in the economy and in various aspects of public life. These successes, in particular, are due to the fact that Azerbaijan is at the center of global projects. Azerbaijan has its own policy in resolving regional problems of the world and at the same time creating a positive development of the network of international relations. These successes are based on the oil strategy developed by national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Naturally, the oil strategy of Azerbaijan directly affects the political importance of the country. Starting from 1996 [3], the new oil strategy of Azerbaijan gradually gave positive results, which allowed the country to take serious steps to integrate into the global economy and politics. The successful development of oil fields in Azerbaijan is directly related to the timely construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan trunk export pipeline. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project is lacking, on the one hand, because of its technical, economic, commercial and financial indicators, and on the other hand, because of its characteristics of political and energy security and the interests of many countries of the world. became a world famous project.

Of course, it is worth mentioning the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars has opened up wide opportunities for intercontinental transportation [4]. Detailed information about this project is given in the dissertation. Here we would like to note that these projects have turned Azerbaijan into a key hub in the global transport system. Of course, the North-South transport corridor reflects another geopolitical route that performs the same function.

Azerbaijan is also an active participant in international organizations. His choice of partners enhances his credibility in international organizations. Relations with Azerbaijan, Turkey’s closest ally, expand our geopolitical opportunities [6]. As a result of joint activities, Azerbaijan strengthens its influence. The joint activities of the two countries contribute to the geography of Islamic countries. Azerbaijan intends to strengthen these ties in the future.

Relations with the country of the region are positive. If we can say that Georgia managed to withstand the help of Azerbaijan during the events of 2008, and we are indebted to our country. Azerbaijan is the largest investor in Georgia. There are half a million Azerbaijanis. Georgia is a participant in many projects created by Azerbaijan. True, sometimes some political figures in Georgia occasionally notice problems in the services of Azerbaijan. However, as a result of the necessary reaction of our country, the consequences of these minor incidents have been eliminated. Georgia is well aware that without Azerbaijan, the independence of this country could be in serious danger.

Despite all the troubles, Azerbaijan also has normal mutually beneficial relations with Iran [8]. The model of geopolitical activity of Azerbaijan takes into account the regional and global significance of this country. At the same time, the Azerbaijani factor in Iran is taken into account in the foreign policy of our country. Azerbaijan also does not forget about the jealousy of some circles of neighboring countries and, in some cases, about the warm attitude towards Armenia. However, our foreign policy is based on pragmatism, and not on feelings, and it is advisable to develop cooperation with Iran. Iran is increasingly aware that the positive development of relations with Azerbaijan is also in the interests of this country.

The importance of relations with Russia is taken into account in the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. Russia is a country bordering Azerbaijan, populated by the large Azerbaijani diaspora, one of the five permanent members of the UN, and has the potential for global influence. Of course, he has his own interests both in the world and in the region. Russia is also one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. Russia often lacks resources during its problems with the West. In this situation, she understands that it is in his own interests to come to an agreement with Azerbaijan and have normal relations. The mutual visits of the presidents, especially the Russian-Iranian- Azerbaijani summits, which have become traditional in recent years, have a positive effect on the development of relations. We have common positions with Russia on many issues, and, of course, there are differences in our approach to a number of issues. Azerbaijan wants Russia to be more positive and active in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Having gathered all the parties together, we can say that the concept of geopolitical processes in Azerbaijan has established positive relations with Russia, and our country is interested in developing these relations [5]. This is shown by the visit of the First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva to Moscow. First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva paid an official visit to the Russian Federation on November 20-25, 2019. On November 21, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva arrived at the Reception

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House of the Russian Government. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev welcomed First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva. Then the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev. On November 21, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva visited the gymnastics center of the President of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics Irina Viner-Usmanova in the Luzhniki Olympic Complex. Mehriban Aliyeva was welcomed by the President of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex Irina Viner-Usmanova. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Irina Viner-Usmanova Gymnastics Center. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and President of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics Irina Viner- Usmanova spoke at the tea table. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva wished Irina Viner-Usmanova new successes in her future activities. At the end of the First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, a souvenir was handed in [8].

Azerbaijan is interested in developing normal relations with the Western world, including the United States. Work in this direction continues. However, in some cases, “exporting democracy” from these countries can be a threat to us. Because it is not democracy at the core of this export. Payment of geopolitical interests. We can see this in the tragedies of the Middle East. But Azerbaijan has always been very positive about cooperation with any country in all its advantages.

Azerbaijan’s steps towards geopolitical leadership are scientific. He has certain conceptual foundations. Azerbaijan has its own concept of national security. The Concept of National Security of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated May 23, 2007 No. 2198, is a policy aimed at protecting the independence, territorial integrity, constitutional order, national interests of the people and the country from internal and external threats. and identify approaches. DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT “Azerbaijan 2020: FUTURE IN THE FUTURE”, approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 29, 2012. Other important documents may also be included here. All this indicates a serious approach. Thus, we see that Azerbaijan is a leading country in the region of the South Caucasus.

However, in the future of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, the following should be taken into account:

- To achieve geopolitical goals, it is necessary to build up alternative national research centers and improve their logistics. This will increase scientific initiative and alternatives to improve national development models;

- It is possible to use mathematical modeling and geopolitical scenarios to determine the dynamics of the future development of risks and problem areas. Firstly, we can develop several prospects for our geopolitical competitors or our partners, based on the resource capabilities of our partners. Secondly, we can make predictions about the future of the countries that surround us, in terms of geopolitical conflicts or rapprochement. For example, when can rapprochement between Armenia and Georgia occur? But this could be consequences for us. Or can Russia withdraw its troops from Armenia as a result of some close factor? So what will be the first country to fill the Russian gap in Armenia?

- What conflicts can arise around us or become hidden at the moment? Here are some examples. What is the likelihood of a military confrontation between Iran and the West or Israel? What will be the first factor that can affect us, even if there is such a thing? Refugee flow or other issues?

- Azerbaijan is a thicker country. Our country has a positive attitude towards all national and religious minorities. In this case, our country is an example of the leading Western countries that even multiculturalism bankrupted us. However, there are many circles around us or in the world that Azerbaijan does not like. Therefore, factors that external forces can use in geopolitical calculations must be controlled;

- Finally, let's say we live in the era of ICT. Therefore, it is necessary to use ICT effectively to expand geopolitical opportunities, as well as to prevent threats such as cyber threats.

The questions to be studied in the dissertation were differentiated. First, the creation and development of the world political system, as well as geopolitical realities, were studied. In general, when developing a system of geopolitical realities based on national and international experience, more advanced examples can be used in our time. There were also crises and recessions for different countries in the development of the geopolitical system. The study of their causes, development dynamics and geopolitical consequences was one of the factors contributing to the implementation of the goals set for the thesis;

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- A comprehensive analysis of the processes occurring in the geopolitical space, as well as the unity and interconnection of regional, local and global processes. An analysis of geopolitical processes allows relevant government agencies to choose the right directions for planning geopolitical activities. Given the geopolitical realities in the circulation of national resources, it is necessary to determine strategies for creating favorable conditions for national interests;

- The legal and political foundations of the process of forming national interests have been studied. Geopolitical processes play an engine in the modern political palette. The effective development of the national political model depends on the formation, formation and intensification of the system of geopolitical activities. In addition to activating knives that serve national interests, it is also possible to directly influence the level of social security. This, in turn, leads to an increase in mutual trust between the state and people, and it is important for each state to maintain proper relations between people and the state;

- Success does not mean a comprehensive solution to all problems. Thus, processes that change are affected by time, space, resources, mechanisms and institutions. Since this process is self-sufficient, improvements are needed, modern methodologies and analyzes, expansion of forecasting capabilities and the formation of relevant institutions. Problems and realities awaiting solutions are resolved in stages in accordance with their importance, without adversely affecting the overall flow of events and processes. The ultimate goal of national development, as a result, is to increase power, meet the material and spiritual needs of the population with high quality. The above factors are considered key features of a strong state;

- One of the important projects in regulating the state’s foreign policy is to balance national interests in relations with different countries.

REFERENCES 1. Hasanov Ali. Modern international relations and foreign policy of Azerbaijan Baku, “Sherg-Coat of Arms”, 2007. 2. Cooperation with international organizations https://mincom.gov.az/ru/view/pages/70/ 3. Oil strategy http://files.preslib.az/projects/ republic / ru / azr3_4.pdf 4. A year has passed since the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. https://azertag.az/ru/xeber/Proshel_god_s_otkrytiya_zheleznoi_dorogi_Baku_Tbilisi_Kars-1209530 5. The relations of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Russia will develop in an ascending order. https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2946691.html 6. Baku is Ankara's closest ally - the Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan. http://interfax.az/view/677819 7. The concept of development "Azerbaijan 2020". Approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 29, 2012. https://president.az/files/future_az.pdf 8. The development of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran was discussed. https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3130501.html 9. Visit to Russia. https://mehriban-aliyeva.az/ru/news/node/848193

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