The historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War resulted in the liberation of Azerbaijan\u2019s occupied territories and introduced new ideological and political challenges for the Azerbaijani state.<\/p>\n
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the model of a victorious state strengthened national cohesion at home and elevated Azerbaijan\u2019s geopolitical standing across the region and beyond. These new realities defined a set of substantive responsibilities for all institutions of governance, including policy research and analytical centers.<\/p>\n
In 2025, the Social Research Center (SRC) structured its work as a research institution around the new ideological, political, and social priorities of a victorious state, while also assessing the domestic impact and underlying trends of regional and international developments.<\/p>\n
Established by Presidential Decree No. 525 dated 8 February 2019, the SRC has positioned itself as an intellectual hub that analyzes the dynamics of social relations and provides evidence-based diagnostics of state reforms. Under its statutory mandate, the Center monitors ongoing processes, forecasts long-term developments, assesses potential risks, and prepares policy, analytical, and research-oriented documents.<\/p>\n
The Social Research Center\u2019s activities in 2025 were closely aligned with the \u201cYear of the Constitution and Sovereignty,\u201d declared by presidential decree. In the context of a renewed national and political identity shaped by the restoration of territorial integrity, the Center focused on tracking shifts in public opinion and analyzing media trends and digital platforms using a range of analytical tools. During the reporting period, its work covered seven core areas, 31 objectives, and 141 activity items, enabling a systematic examination of all key dimensions of the socio-political agenda.<\/p>\n
The Center provides government institutions with a wide range of analytical reports. In 2025, its research particularly focused on the fifth anniversary of the historic Victory in the Patriotic War, the implementation of the \u201cGreat Return\u201d program, and studies related to peacebuilding, which marked a critical phase in the period under review.<\/p>\n
Public approval of the President\u2019s activities, monitoring of government institutions, and analysis of strong state dynamics<\/p>\n
In 2025, the Social Research Center focused its research on evaluating President Ilham Aliyev\u2019s multifaceted state policy. This included strengthening national security amid global tensions, overseeing the successful and sustainable implementation of the \u201cGreat Return\u201d to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, diversifying the economy, developing the non-oil sector, improving macroeconomic indicators, and executing nationally and internationally significant energy, transport, and infrastructure projects. The Center also analyzed progress along long-term strategies and roadmaps established for socio-economic development.
\nWithin this framework, the development of the digital economy and artificial intelligence was treated as a strategic priority, and mechanisms were established to monitor the consistent execution of state programs. Social initiatives focused on improving citizens\u2019 welfare, increasing employment, and supporting vulnerable groups, including broader state assistance for families of martyrs and war veterans. Overall, these measures aimed at fostering the growth of the country\u2019s human capital.<\/p>\n
In 2025, the President signed more than 275 decrees, over 250 executive orders, and more than 165 laws. He participated in 123 meetings, received 113 official visits, attended 15 signing ceremonies, held 17 press conferences, and undertook 33 trips, including 20 abroad and 13 within the regions (seven to Karabakh and three to Eastern Zangezur). Over the year, he took part in 296 events and gave 12 interviews to domestic and international media. The statistics of the President\u2019s active engagement indicate that this level of involvement is expected to expand further in 2026. All meetings, trips, and events were directed toward advancing the country\u2019s national interests.<\/p>\n
The Center\u2019s research during this period was conducted using the internationally recognized Trust Index methodology. In 2025, the 14th and 15th phases of this research were successfully implemented.<\/p>\n
The Center\u2019s analyses confirmed that President Ilham Aliyev\u2019s leadership model serves as a guarantor of both national security and social progress.<\/p>\n
Peace geopolitics and regional cooperation prospects<\/p>\n
In 2025, the Social Research Center focused its second major area of work on analyzing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and exploring the region\u2019s potential to develop into a stable zone of economic cooperation.<\/p>\n
The Center\u2019s experts conducted a thorough analysis of Article 8 of the proposed peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and developed corresponding policy recommendations. Their research also examined the activities of global Armenian networks and their efforts to resist Baku\u2019s peace initiatives, while regularly monitoring public attitudes in Azerbaijan toward the international community and neighboring countries.
\nIn 2025, the Social Research Center studied Azerbaijan\u2019s relations with key international actors, including T\u00fcrkiye, China, and the United States. Its experts analyzed the strategic partnerships between Baku and Beijing, Baku and Washington, as well as Azerbaijan\u2019s role within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).<\/p>\n
Implementation of state programs and monitoring of governance efficiency<\/p>\n
In 2025, the Social Research Center played an active role in the execution of key state programs, with particular focus on the National Action Plan to Strengthen the Fight Against Corruption (2022\u20132026). In line with Article 4.9 of the Plan, the Center conducted large-scale surveys to assess the quality of public services and measure citizens\u2019 satisfaction with the performance of various government institutions.<\/p>\n
The designation of 2025 as the \u201cYear of the Constitution and Sovereignty\u201d played a central role in the Center\u2019s activities. Within this framework, the Social Research Center was identified as one of the primary implementers of the approved Action Plan. The Center organized an international scientific and practical conference on \u201cState Sovereignty and National Constitutions in the 21st Century\u201d, bringing together leading experts from Turkey, Germany, Hungary, Japan, China, and other countries. The conference produced a comprehensive volume of 151 scholarly articles spanning 734 pages.<\/p>\n
As part of its monitoring of government institutions, the Center also analyzed the operation of hotlines and the social media activity of various agencies. In 2025, nearly 6,000 oversight calls were conducted across 40 state institutions to assess the responsiveness to citizens\u2019 inquiries. These measurements provided a clear picture of public communication performance and informed recommendations for improving engagement and service delivery.<\/p>\n
The Great Return: sociological perspective on reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur<\/p>\n
In 2025, the reintegration of liberated territories and the implementation of the 1st State Program on the Great Return were a top priority for the Social Research Center. The Center systematically monitored the socio-economic aspects of reconstruction in Karabakh, paying particular attention to the sustainability of resettlement and its impact on local well-being.<\/p>\n
In July 2025, an in-depth sociological study was conducted among 1,100 citizens returning to the liberated districts. The survey revealed a high level of satisfaction with the conditions provided by the state and an overall sense of optimism about the future. At the same time, the research examined the role of Azerbaijan\u2019s regional soft power and the TRIPP project, part of the Middle Corridor strategy, in shaping the future development of the liberated territories.
\nThe Center\u2019s experts prepared analytical reports assessing the dangers posed by landmines and outlining social rehabilitation measures for individuals affected by mine-related incidents. Research on \u201cMines: The Legacy of the Karabakh War and Challenges for the Great Return\u201d was presented at international forums, drawing global attention to the humanitarian issues emerging in the post-conflict period.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ideological security and countering hybrid threats<\/p>\n
Amid a global information warfare environment, the Social Research Center strengthened its efforts in 2025 to safeguard ideological security. Its primary focus was on exposing disinformation campaigns targeting Azerbaijan and analyzing the hybrid influence mechanisms employed by foreign actors.<\/p>\n
A significant part of the Center\u2019s work focused on comprehensive research into public and international reactions to the fair trial processes of Ruben Vardanyan and individuals accused of war crimes. The study objectively examined the role and objectives of the forces organizing Vardanyan\u2019s defense through international lobbying networks in hybrid information campaigns against Azerbaijan. These findings were published in the book \u201cRuben Vardanyan: The Path from Business to Politics\u2014Beginning and End.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Center also analyzed the activities of foreign information networks and proposed new approaches to address emerging challenges.<\/p>\n
Another key focus was the study of the religious landscape and attempts at external interference through radical religious movements. In 2025, the Center examined the methods used by foreign religious institutions in their outreach and developed recommendations to preserve Azerbaijan\u2019s traditional model of tolerance.<\/p>\n
Welfare Barometer: Well-being, family, and values in 2025<\/p>\n
Through its long-running \u201cWelfare Barometer\u201d research, recognized for its international legitimacy, the Social Research Center continued to focus on citizens\u2019 social and economic engagement, income dynamics, financial literacy, consumer behavior, and the evolving role of the family institution.<\/p>\n
The Welfare Barometer project examined the impact of imported inflation on the domestic economy and conducted monthly studies on \u201cInflation Expectations and Consumer Behavior,\u201d producing analytical reports for various government institutions. The research also explored citizens\u2019 access to banking products, their insurance literacy, and attitudes toward cashless payment systems.<\/p>\n
Demography and family values remained a key focus area. The study \u201cDivorce in Azerbaijani Families\u201d provided a detailed analysis of previously misrepresented statistics in this field. Projects examining intergenerational solidarity and the role of older adults in society highlighted Azerbaijan\u2019s commitment to preserving traditional values while modernizing social institutions.<\/p>\n
Education and human capital: responding to the challenges of the digital era<\/p>\n
The development of human capital is a cornerstone of the \u201cAzerbaijan 2030\u201d strategy. In 2025, the Social Research Center implemented several projects focused on integrating science and higher education within education policy. The \u201cResearch Universities: Integrating Science and Education\u201d project addressed reforms taking place across the academic sector.<\/p>\n
Primary and secondary education remained a key area of research. The Center analyzed the influence of teacher-bloggers on the learning process, the state of education in early grades, and the prevalence of private tutoring. A survey on the quality of preschool education gathered opinions from 1,200 parents across the country.<\/p>\n
In the context of strengthening Turkic unity, the Social Research Center successfully completed the \u201cTurkic Barometer 2024\u20132025\u201d project in collaboration with the International Turkic Academy. The study focused on scientific and educational cooperation among the member states of the Turkic Council, with its findings presented in Baku and Astana.<\/p>\n
International cooperation and intellectual diplomacy<\/p>\n
The year 2025 marked active integration of the Social Research Center into the global analytical community. The Center continued its collaboration with ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Market Research) and participated in the annual ESOMAR Congress held in Prague.
\nThe Center\u2019s intellectual diplomacy was strengthened through memoranda signed with leading foreign institutions, including.
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Memorandum with the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies (BISS).
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0Cooperation agreement with Qatar\u2019s National Human Rights Committee.
\nThese partnerships enable Azerbaijan to present its agenda to the global scientific community and draw on advanced international practices to address domestic priorities. The participation of SRC staff in conferences in Doha, Prague, and Minsk underscores the international recognition of Azerbaijan\u2019s analytical institutions.
\nMedia activity and communication strategy: direct engagement with society
\nIn 2025, SRC focused its communication efforts on maximum transparency and broad dissemination of its research findings. The Center became one of the most frequently cited sources in the national media, with its leadership and experts participating in over 2,500 media appearances and interviews throughout the year.<\/p>\n
SRC actively develops its media projects:
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cReal T\u0259dqiqat\u201d on Real TV \u2013 40 episodes aired in 2025;
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cArxa plan\u201d on F\u00fcyuzat TV \u2013 90 episodes aired;
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cSiyasi bax\u0131\u015f\u201d on \u0130ki Sahil TV \u2013 81 episodes aired;
\n\u25cf \u00a0 \u00a0\u201cDeportasiyaya u\u011frayan irsin izi il\u0259\u201d special series on West Azerbaijan TV \u2013 17 episodes aired.<\/p>\n
SRC has shown strong engagement on social media. During the reporting period, the Center published a total of 1,100 posts across Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, allowing a wide audience, particularly younger users, to closely follow the state\u2019s socio-economic and political priorities.
\nIn 2025, the SRC conducted 27 sociological surveys involving 21,040 respondents, along with 4 in-depth interviews and 2 monitoring studies. Throughout the year, the Center produced numerous analytical briefs, 15 detailed analyses, 18 reports, 3 books, and 209 articles.
\nDuring the reporting period, SRC organized 28 events, including 3 international scientific conferences, and signed 4 memoranda, 2 of which were with foreign organizations. The Center delivered 64 presentations at both international and domestic events, published 8 articles in foreign media and journals, and gave 12 interviews.<\/p>\n
Within its media and communication activities, SRC produced 245 broadcast programs and 91 video materials across six on-air projects. In addition, the first issue of the scientific journal Social Research was prepared for publication, and a 730-page collected volume of international conference materials was published. In the context of explaining state policies in the local media, SRC\u2019s leadership gave over 160 appearances and interviews, while staff contributed more than 2,300.<\/p>\n
Conclusions and strategic outlook for 2026<\/p>\n
The results of 2025 demonstrate that SRC successfully served as an intellectual bridge between the state and society during one of the most consequential periods in the country\u2019s history. The 27 sociological surveys involving over 21,000 respondents, along with the analytical briefs and 18 comprehensive reports produced, have established a solid empirical foundation to support evidence-based governance.
\nIn 2026, SRC plans to expand the use of artificial intelligence technologies in sociological research, strengthen the monitoring of citizens\u2019 digital rights, and continue professionally grounded studies of the peace process, as well as the domestic impacts of regional and international agendas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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