Baku ( WNAM MONITORING): The global security architecture is undergoing a period of systemic shift, in which previous rules are losing their universality, and regional initiatives are becoming key. Eurasia and the South Caucasus are gradually transforming from a space of competition between external powers into a zone where the political and strategic calculations of local states are increasingly playing a role. In this new configuration, countries capable of connecting diverse geopolitical and economic contours are acquiring particular significance. Azerbaijan is increasingly perceived not as an object of external influence, but as an independent participant in shaping regional stability. Its geographic location, energy potential, and transit capabilities make it an important element of the changing security system. Against a backdrop of weakening traditional guarantees and growing uncertainty, Baku is building a foreign policy model based on balance, multilateralism, and pragmatism. This allows Azerbaijan to simultaneously interact with competing centers of power and avoid being rigidly tied to any one of them. The South Caucasus as a whole is becoming a platform for testing new forms of regional interaction. In this context, Azerbaijan’s role extends beyond national interests and acquires a regional dimension. It is through such states that the contours of Eurasian security are being shaped.
Adil Sultan, a Pakistani expert, professor of strategic studies, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies (FASS), and acting chair of the Department of Strategic Studies at the Air Force University, answers questions:
– How do you assess the transformation of the regional security architecture in Eurasia and the South Caucasus amid growing global turbulence, and what role do you see Azerbaijan playing in these processes?
– The decline of unipolar global order and the rise of other power centres offers both opportunities and challenges to several regional countries, including Azerbaijan, which is located at a strategically important place connecting Europe and Asia. With Europe in turmoil, looking for options for new intra and inter-regional alliances, and with China’s rise as an alternate power centre, countries like Azerbaijan can play important role as the ‘middle powers’ by helping develop new regional security architectures.
– How do you assess Türkiye’s as a factor in the strategic balance in the South Caucasus, and to what extent is Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation changing the regional security architecture?
– Türkiye is a strong regional player and can play important role in helping Azerbaijan build its partnerships with Asia and the Europe.
– Amid growing regional tensions in the Middle East, what strategic significance is Iran’s position vis-à-vis the South Caucasus acquiring, and how is Azerbaijan managing to minimize risks while maintaining stability on its borders?
– Iran’s influence in the neighbouring regions, including South Caucus and the Middle East is likely to significantly decrease due to the growing US pressure on the current regime. A new conflict between Iran and the US or with Israel could be destabilizing for the entire region. Countries like Pakistan and Azerbaijan, therefore, need to play active role to help resolve the crises through diplomacy and on permanent basis.
– How do you assess EU policy in the South Caucasus? Do you see a shift from a normative approach to more realistic geopolitical thinking, and what role does Azerbaijan occupy in this process?
– EU as a region has become more insecure with several voices arguing for more independence from the US led security architecture. This offers opportunities for countries like Azerbaijan and Türkiye to build new economic and security partnerships.
– How do you assess China’s growing presence in Eurasia through infrastructure and logistics projects, and what role can Azerbaijan play in China’s strategic vision of transcontinental connectivity?
– Located at a geo-strategically important place, Azerbaijan becomes a natural node for connectivity between the West and the larger Asian continent. By playing active role in China’s strategic vision of transcontinental connectivity, Azerbaijan would be able to serve its economic and security interests and also help other regional countries in building economic partnerships. (Courtesy: AZERTAC)
