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Recasting multi-vectorism: a western-anchored strategy for Azerbaijan

The rapid erosion of the liberal international order has generated multiple dislocations in the South Caucasus, placing Azerbaijan at the crossroads of competing region-building projects. As the unipolar, neoliberal framework recedes, Azerbaijan’s long-standing multi-vector foreign policy faces mounting challenges under intensifying external pressures. During the unipolar era, international institutions anchored in liberal norms provided a…

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Mahammad Mehdiyev attends summer school in China

From 7 July to 1 August 2025, Topchubashov Center’s Research Fellow Mahammad Mehdiyev attended a Chinese language summer school at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China. He was selected for this programme by the University of Milan, which supported his participation tuition-free. The programme, hosted by one of China’s leading Sino-British universities, combined intensive…

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Azerbaijani exceptionalism: Baku’s strategic independence amid Russian policy against GUAM

The antagonistic relationship between the proverbial “East” and “West” is gradually re-entering the discourse of International Relations scholars amid what many see as the resurgence of great power competition. This dichotomy between two spheres of influence—from the colonial Occident versus Orient, to the modern Pax Americana versus the so-called “Axis of Upheaval”—shall survive forever in…

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Russia-Azerbaijan Relations in Freefall with No End in Sight

Tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia have been on an escalatory track since the crash of the Azerbaijani Airlines commercial airplane in December 2024. In the past, similar disputes were usually resolved quickly, leaving little lasting impact. This time, however, the crisis is far more complex and shows no signs of de-escalation. On the contrary, almost…

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Despite threats and challenges, the Washington Agreements may bring lasting Peace to the South Caucasus

There was a celebratory mood at the White House on August 8, as U.S. President Donald J. Trump hosted the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. The signing of the Washington Agreements was hailed by all three leaders as historic and presented as a potential end to…

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A historic pivot in Armenia and Azerbaijan: the promise of peace and the road ahead

On August 8, in an unexpected yet very symbolic venue, the White House, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a joint memorandum to show their commitment to peace and define parameters of a possible solution to the connectivity dispute in southern Zangezur. The Trump administration has been “working” on the Armenia-Azerbaijan matters ever since early March, and…

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Murad Muradov attends Jakarta Futures Forum

On 5-6 August 2025, Topchubashov Center Deputy Director Murad Muradov attended the Jakarta Futures Forum in Indonesia, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (India) and Center for Strategic and International Studies (Indonesia). The conference brought together more than 150 participants from 50 countries who discussed, among others, the issues concerning Asian politics, maritime security, global…

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