{"id":1743,"date":"2026-02-05T12:03:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T08:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/?p=1743"},"modified":"2026-03-31T22:47:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T18:47:30","slug":"azerbaijan-as-a-singular-reference-point-for-global-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/archives\/1743","title":{"rendered":"Azerbaijan as a singular reference point for global peace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Contemporary international security is passing through a period of deep fragmentation. This phase is marked not only by the growing number of interstate conflicts, but also by the erosion of traditional alliances and an unprecedented level of global instability. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands out as a distinctive actor in international relations. The country demonstrates strong indicators of internal stability while at the same time emerging as a focal point for global peace initiatives. At a moment when political research and international media increasingly point to a general decline in global peace, Azerbaijan positions itself as a leading state offering a new model of stability and, in effect, a rare source of optimism for peace. Crucially, this perception is not self-declared but is increasingly shared internationally. This analysis examines Azerbaijan\u2019s unique role in today\u2019s geopolitics, substantiating this position through statistical data, expert assessments, diplomatic achievements, and related indicators.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Quantifying global peacefulness: 2025 and Azerbaijan\u2019s breakthrough<\/strong><\/p>\n

An objective assessment of a state\u2019s role in sustaining peace begins with the statistical indicators produced by leading international analytical centers. In 2025, Azerbaijan drew global attention due to an unprecedented advance across key security indices, marking a notable shift in how the country is positioned within international assessments of peace and stability.
\nThe Global Peace Index (GPI) is widely regarded as the most authoritative tool for assessing levels of safety and peacefulness across 163 independent states, covering 99.7 percent of the world\u2019s population.1 In its 2025 report, Azerbaijan was officially identified as the country that recorded the largest improvement in peacefulness indicators worldwide.2
\nThe 2025 GPI data highlight several key shifts:
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0An improvement of 0.123 points in the overall index score2
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0A rise of 17 positions in the global ranking, moving from 113th to 95th place3
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0A 100 percent reduction in fatalities linked to both internal and external conflicts2
\nThis statistical surge occurred at a time when the average level of global peace declined by 0.36 percent and conditions deteriorated further in 94 countries.4 Against this broader negative trend, Azerbaijan emerged as the clear leader among the 66 states that recorded improvements in peace.4<\/p>\n

The analysis indicates that Azerbaijan\u2019s success did not end with military victory but has extended into the systematic consolidation of political stability. The complete elimination of conflict-related fatalities places Azerbaijan in a unique position against the backdrop of 59 active conflicts recorded worldwide.1<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025: a benchmark of security<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), confirmed Azerbaijan\u2019s status as one of the safest countries in the world.6
\nOn a ten-point scale, where 0 indicates the absence of any terrorist impact, Azerbaijan scored 0.233, placing it 90th among 163 countries. During the reporting period, not a single terrorist attack, fatality, injury, or hostage-taking incident was recorded in the country.8
\nThe index is calculated using a weighted analytical methodology that takes into account incidents over the previous five years:<\/p>\n

Here \u00a0 , the respective weight coefficients are assigned to incidents (1), fatalities (3), injuries (0.5), and hostages (0.5). Azerbaijan\u2019s score of 0.233 is significantly lower than that of many leading global powers as well as its regional neighbors.<\/p>\n

What sets Azerbaijan apart is its approach of promoting peace through cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Launched in 2008 by President Ilham Aliyev, the \u201cBaku Process\u201d has been recognized by the United Nations as a leading platform for intercultural dialogue.3
\nIn its 2017 report, the UN Secretary-General described the Baku Process as a \u201cleading initiative for promoting intercultural dialogue.\u201d The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the process as a primary global mechanism for fostering dialogue among cultures.10<\/p>\n

Key achievements of the Baku Process include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0The 6th World Forum, held in May 2024, brought together representatives from over 110 countries.11
\n\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0To date, the forums have attracted nearly 10,000 participants from 180 countries and 30 international organizations.10
\n\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0At the 6th Forum, more than 100 religious leaders convened to discuss shared values of coexistence and strategies to combat hate.11
\nLeadership in Non-Aligned Movement: advocating for Global South
\nDuring its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 2019 to 2023, Azerbaijan played its most active role yet in addressing global challenges. Under its leadership, the movement, which unites 120 countries, was elevated to become the world\u2019s second-largest political force after the United Nations.11
\nNotable outcomes of Azerbaijan\u2019s initiatives within NAM include:
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0The adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, supported by 179 countries.13
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0The creation of a data platform to track the medical and humanitarian needs of NAM member states.15
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0The allocation of $10 million in voluntary financial assistance to the World Health Organization to support the needs of NAM member countries.15
\nCOP29: \u201cPeace COP\u201d and climate-peace nexus
\nThe COP29 climate conference, held in Baku in November 2024, marked the next phase of Azerbaijan\u2019s peace-oriented agenda. For the first time, the country officially introduced the concept of a \u201cPeace COP.\u201d17<\/p>\n

On November 15, 2024, COP29 designated a \u201cDay of Peace, Relief, and Recovery.\u201d Azerbaijan introduced the \u201cBaku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery,\u201d a framework aimed at addressing challenges at the intersection of conflict, climate, and humanitarian needs.17 Within this initiative, the \u201cBaku Climate and Peace Action Hub\u201d was established to help prevent climate-related conflicts.17<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

International aid and humanitarian development (AIDA)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Azerbaijan has become an active donor country, promoting a global solidarity agenda through the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA).16
\nKey highlights of its humanitarian efforts include assistance to over 140 countries worldwide.16 During the pandemic, more than 80 countries received humanitarian and medical support, and 14 NAM member states were provided with a total of one million vaccine doses.13 Additionally, full scholarships have been offered to students from 83 countries to pursue higher education in Azerbaijan.16 The country\u2019s annual official development assistance (ODA) amounts to approximately $50\u201360 million, with 100 percent of these funds provided as grants.16<\/p>\n

Peace process with Armenia: from conflict to normalization<\/strong><\/p>\n

A central reason the international community recognizes Azerbaijan as a peace leader is its role in resolving the decades-long Karabakh conflict and moving toward direct peacebuilding with Armenia.
\nThe negotiations have been conducted directly, without external mediation, yielding results that surpass those achieved over 30 years of OSCE Minsk Group facilitation.20
\nMarch 2025, the parties reached an agreement on the text of a peace treaty, which was initialed in Washington in August.21, 27
\nThe TRIPP (Transregional Infrastructure and Peace Project) has the potential to attract up to $45 billion in investment to the region, creating new transport corridors between Asia and Europe.28<\/p>\n

Peacekeeping missions and contributions to global security<\/strong><\/p>\n

For decades, Azerbaijani troops have helped maintain security in various parts of the world under the auspices of the UN and NATO. Since 1997, more than 3,000 Azerbaijani peacekeepers have participated in international operations.22
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Kosovo (1999\u20132008): Nearly 400 Azerbaijani troops participated in maintaining peace.22
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Iraq (2003\u20132008): Azerbaijani forces were responsible for securing the Haditha dam, the country\u2019s main electricity source.22
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Afghanistan (2002\u20132021): The Azerbaijani contingent ensured the security of Kabul\u2019s international airport and was among the last units involved in evacuation operations.22
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0South Sudan (since 2019): Azerbaijani officers continue to serve in the UN mission, reinforcing the country\u2019s status as a reliable partner.22
\nAzerbaijan\u2019s role in contemporary geopolitics
\nAnalyses indicate that Azerbaijan\u2019s designation in modern research as a \u201csingular reference point for peace\u201d is no coincidence, but the outcome of a deliberate strategic approach. Azerbaijan stands out in global politics as one of the few countries that:
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Maintains alliances with major powers located at opposite ends of Eurasia;
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Engages in direct dialogue with all parties involved in Middle East settlements;
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Has independently restored its territorial integrity since World War II.
\nAlthough Azerbaijan emerged as the victorious party, it was the first to offer Armenia a peace treaty.22 The country seeks to ensure that the sounds of weapons no longer echo in the region, that transport routes are opened, and that economic development progresses. While many conflicts around the world continue, this initiative has been widely recognized as a model of peace.<\/p>\n

References:<\/strong>
\n1. \u00a0 \u00a0Global Peace Index Map \u00bb The Most & Least Peaceful Countries – Vision of Humanity, https:\/\/www.visionofhumanity.org\/maps\/
\n2. \u00a0 \u00a05 Countries Most Improved in Peacefulness in 2025 – Vision of Humanity, https:\/\/www.visionofhumanity.org\/the-5-countries-most-improved-in-peacefulness-in-2025\/
\n3. \u00a0 \u00a0global strategy for intercultural dialogue – Baku Process, https:\/\/www.bakuprocess.az\/baku-process
\n4. \u00a0 \u00a0Global Peace Index 2025 Web | PDF | Gross Domestic Product | Economies – Scribd, https:\/\/www.scribd.com\/document\/879648844\/Global-Peace-Index-2025-Web
\n5. \u00a0 \u00a0Global Peace Index 2025 – Vision of Humanity, https:\/\/www.visionofhumanity.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Global-Peace-Index-2025-web.pdf
\n6. \u00a0 \u00a0Global Terrorism Index 2025 confirms Azerbaijan as one of safest countries – Report.az, \u00a0https:\/\/report.az\/en\/incident\/global-terrorism-index-2025-confirms-azerbaijan-as-one-of-safest-countries
\n7. \u00a0 \u00a0Azerbaijan ranks among safest countries in world for terrorism, GTI 2025 reports – AzerNews, \u00a0https:\/\/www.azernews.az\/nation\/239154.html
\n8. \u00a0 \u00a0Azerbaijan Ranks Among Safest Countries in Global Terrorism …, \u00a0https:\/\/caspiannews.com\/news-detail\/azerbaijan-ranks-among-safest-countries-in-global-terrorism-index-2025-2025-3-23-0\/<\/p>\n

9. \u00a0 \u00a0Global Terrorism Index – https:\/\/reliefweb.int\/report\/world\/global-terrorism-index-2025<\/p>\n

10. \u00a0 \u00a0Azerbaijan has Launched \u201cPeace4culture\u201d Global … – Baku Process, \u00a0https:\/\/www.bakuprocess.az\/news3
\n11. \u00a0 \u00a0Ilham Aliyev’s speech at the opening ceremony of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue – Aze.Media, \u00a0https:\/\/aze.media\/ilham-aliyevs-speech-at-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-6th-world-forum-on-intercultural-dialogue\/
\n12. \u00a0 \u00a0Attended by Azerbaijani President and Co-organized by ICESCO\u2026 World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue Kicks off in Baku, \u00a0https:\/\/icesco.org\/en\/2024\/05\/01\/attended-by-azerbaijani-president-and-co-organized-by-icesco-world-forum-on-intercultural-dialogue-kicks-off-in-baku\/
\n13. \u00a0 \u00a0How Azerbaijan Strengthens the UN’s Mission for Peace and …, \u00a0https:\/\/caspianpost.com\/analytics\/how-azerbaijan-strengthens-the-un-s-mission-for-peace-and-security
\n14. \u00a0 \u00a0(PDF) NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT AND AZERBAIJAN – ResearchGate, \u00a0https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/383819317_NON-ALIGNED_MOVEMENT_AND_AZERBAIJAN
\n15. \u00a0 \u00a0A\/74\/841\u2013S\/2020\/364 General Assembly Security Council – the United Nations, \u00a0https:\/\/docs.un.org\/en\/A\/74\/841
\n16. \u00a0 \u00a0Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) – SDG Help Desk, \u00a0https:\/\/sdghelpdesk.unescap.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-01\/AIDA%20Factsheet.pdf
\n17. \u00a0 \u00a0COP 29: The Climate-Peace Nexus Was on the Agenda, But …, \u00a0https:\/\/toda.org\/global-outlook\/2024\/cop-29-the-climate-peace-nexus-was-on-the-agenda-but.html
\n18. \u00a0 \u00a0Addressing Militarism for Climate Action – IKFF, \u00a0https:\/\/www.ikff.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Peace-and-Demilitarisation-WG_three-pager.pdf
\n19. \u00a0 \u00a0Development Co-operation Profiles: Azerbaijan – OECD, \u00a0https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/publications\/development-co-operation-profiles_04b376d7-en\/azerbaijan_e374e6c9-en.html
\n20. \u00a0 \u00a0Armenia and Azerbaijan: Lasting peace in sight? – European Parliament, \u00a0https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/RegData\/etudes\/BRIE\/2025\/779170\/EPRS_BRI(2025)779170_EN.pdf
\n21. \u00a0 \u00a0Ilham Aliyev addressed 80th session of UN General Assembly – President.az, \u00a0https:\/\/president.az\/en\/articles\/view\/70187<\/p>\n

22. \u00a0 \u00a0Azerbaijani peacekeeping forces https:\/\/grokipedia.com\/page\/azerbaijani_peacekeeping_forces<\/p>\n

23. \u00a0 \u00a0Azerbaijan Sends Peacekeepers To War-Torn South Sudan – Caspian News, \u00a0https:\/\/caspiannews.com\/news-detail\/azerbaijan-sends-peacekeepers-to-war-torn-south-sudan-2018-11-29-48\/
\n24. \u00a0 \u00a0Resolute Support Mission – https:\/\/nato-pfp.mfa.gov.az\/en\/category\/contribution-to-nato-led-operations<\/p>\n

25. \u00a0 \u00a0ICESCO to Co-organize World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku Next May, \u00a0https:\/\/icesco.org\/en\/2024\/03\/28\/icesco-to-co-organize-world-forum-on-intercultural-dialogue-in-baku-next-may\/
\n26. \u00a0 \u00a0ECLJ-Report-Human-Rights-in-Azerbaijan-November-2024.pdf – ACLJ, \u00a0http:\/\/media.aclj.org\/pdf\/ECLJ-Report-Human-Rights-in-Azerbaijan-November-2024.pdf
\n27. \u00a0 \u00a0Strategic Directions for Building Sustainable Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan, \u00a0https:\/\/carnegieendowment.org\/research\/2025\/12\/armenia-azerbaijan-regulations?lang=en
\n28. \u00a0 \u00a0Armenia-Azerbaijan: peace agreement for a longstanding conflict – Vision of Humanity, https:\/\/www.visionofhumanity.org\/armenia-azerbaijan-peace-for-a-longstanding-conflict\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Contemporary international security is passing through a period of deep fragmentation. This phase is marked not only by the growing number of interstate conflicts, but also by the erosion of traditional alliances and an unprecedented level of global instability. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands out as a distinctive actor in international relations….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1390,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1743"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1744,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743\/revisions\/1744"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/think-tanks.az\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}