Over the past decade, Azerbaijan has firmly established itself as a key geostrategic player, according to a recent analytical article by the German outlet Berliner Zeitung.
“Baku has proven itself to be an important geostrategic actor, not only due to oil and gas. Azerbaijan has become a hub of international diplomacy—both the European Union and NATO now refer to Baku as a ‘reliable partner,’” the article states.
The author notes that Azerbaijan is striving to become a regional power akin to Poland in Eastern Europe, Brazil in South America, or Indonesia in Southeast Asia—navigating relations with surrounding regional powers with strategic agility.
“While Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Georgia have failed in their attempts to balance between the EU and Russia, Baku aims to be involved in all processes,” the article adds, citing Azerbaijan’s hosting of global events like COP29, Eurovision, and the Euro 2020 football championship as indicators of its rising profile. “Today, Baku is to diplomacy what Vienna was during the Cold War.”
The article also emphasizes Azerbaijan’s crucial role in Europe’s energy security:
“Since the war in Ukraine, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as an alternative to Russian energy supplies. At COP29 in Baku last November, observers noted that when it comes to energy, Azerbaijan is playing in the ‘Champions League,’ according to top Western energy executives.”
The author concludes by noting that Azerbaijan’s return of its historical territories—the Karabakh region—has strengthened its international standing and could serve as a model for emerging economies seeking greater global recognition.
