Pakistan’s engagement in Central Asia: foreign policy priorities, challenges, and strategic outlook

Pakistan’s foreign policy continues to evolve in response to shifting regional dynamics, global realignments, and domestic imperatives. A critical dimension of Islamabad’s external engagement is its growing focus on the Central Asian Republics (CARs)—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—whose geopolitical, economic, and strategic relevance has increased markedly since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Pakistan…

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Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States: Strengthening Economic and Energy Cooperation

The informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Hungary’s capital Budapest went down in history as the first summit held in an observer state in the organization’s history. This meeting also highlighted Hungary’s role in strengthening economic and political relations with the Turkic states. Vusala Jafarova,…

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Russia Aims to Strengthen Armenia Ties Amid Stagnating Relations with Azerbaijan

On May 20–21, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan marked a significant moment in the evolving dynamics of Armenia–Russia relations, signaling Moscow’s intent to stabilize and reinforce ties with its long-standing ally in the South Caucasus. Set against the backdrop of deteriorating Russia–Azerbaijan relations following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijani airliner…

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Azerbaijan’s Amnesty Policy: Law, Humanism, and Social Justice

The pardon decrees signed by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev hold a distinctive place within the country’s legal and social framework. These decisions clearly reflect the state’s commitment to humanitarian values and its respect for the rights of its citizens. According to the decree issued on May 26, 2025, 175 individuals were released from the remainder…

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Azerbaijan-Russia Relations Remain Stuck in Airplane Crash Crisis

Executive Summary: On May 7, Azerbaijan announced that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev would not attend Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Azerbaijani media attributed the visit cancellation to a series of negative developments in Russia-Azerbaijan relations since an Azerbaijani airplane crash in December…

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IDD Releases Spring 2025 Edition of Baku Dialogues

The Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) at ADA University is pleased to announce the publication of the Spring 2025 edition of Baku Dialogues, its flagship English-language quarterly policy journal. This latest issue brings together analytical contributions from leading local and international experts who explore some of the most pressing political, economic, and geopolitical challenges…

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Türkiye and Italy reshaping Mediterranean defense

On May 7, 2025, Italy and Türkiye convened their fourth intergovernmental summit, marking yet another step in their long-standing bilateral relations. First launched in 2008, these summits, which have been held irregularly until recently, have gained renewed urgency in today’s changing geopolitical environment. The summit’s discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the conflicts…

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Tirana Summit: Azerbaijan at the Heart of Europe’s Future

The sixth summit of the European Political Community marks a pivotal moment in the evolving political landscape of the continent. Leaders from participating nations are convening to address shared interests and the pressing challenges facing the region. Hosting this high-level forum in Tirana highlights the growing strategic importance of the Western Balkans in the broader…

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