After signing the Bishkek protocol on May 12, 1994, Azerbaijan was left in ruins in many aspects. The military, economy, social infrastructure, and political solidarity – all these areas of life were severely impacted. However, Azerbaijan started rising from the ashes. Just three months after the Bishkek protocol, Azerbaijan managed to reconcile the conflicting interests of international powers, and on September 20, 1994, a new phase of oil contracts was inked, marking the beginning of a new era of prosperity. Despite the fact that the country started garnering financial and economic benefits from those energy initiatives, Azerbaijan did not demonstrate any intention of joining military alliances.
What are the benefits of the non-alignment strategy?
In the early years of independence, the political leadership of the country decided to leave the military bloc (Azerbaijan left CSTO in May 1999) and improve its stance on a non-alignment course. Thus, new benefits were acquired from the adoption of this strategy:
Independence: Adhering to the course of non-alignment helped Azerbaijan form its foreign policy strategy more independently and significantly based on national interests. For the young state, this was of vital importance considering the fact that it lost 20 percent of its internationally recognized territory. Another factor stimulating this point is the geographical location of the country: like a sandwich effect, it is the only country between Russia and Iran, the latter ones being unwelcomed by Western allies even today.
Peaceful coexistence: Azerbaijan suffered a great and power-consuming war with Armenia and its power allies throughout the early years of independence, losing the Garabagh region entirely. This factor also played a key role in making the decision in favor of the non-alignment strategy. The continuation of independence and peaceful coexistence in the region was of utmost importance. That was the cornerstone of stable economic and financial growth and benefits, thus accumulating the power needed for further peaceful existence of the South Caucasus region as a whole. As it is generally known, peace is the “most expensive pleasure” and a dynamic concept. It requires powerful financial contributions and the strongest military supervision by the countries involved.
Sovereignty: Azerbaijan has been severely rejecting interference in internal affairs for three decades. The region underwent harsh tectonic challenges, with political powers being toppled throughout the region itself and beyond (e.g., the Arab Spring). Those revolutions were considered by Azerbaijan as a threat to national interests and security and interference in internal affairs. By adopting the non-alignment strategy, Azerbaijan managed to endure and survive those international political fluctuations.
Balanced relations: This is a pivotal benefit that was acquired by the implementation of the strategy. Azerbaijan continues its diplomatic and political initiatives with all parties around the globe. Especially, as a key state of the new world order, Azerbaijan promotes anti-colonialism and stronger relations with the Global South. Balanced relations gave enormous capabilities for resolving national and regional concerns.
Swiss Neutrality as an Example: The Switzerland of the Caucasus – Dream or Reality?
Since the early years of its independence, Azerbaijan has kept on upgrading and enhancing its military potential. The non-aligned position of Azerbaijan provided enormous capabilities for advocating peace, cooperation, and the restoration of territorial integrity, bringing an end to the Armenian occupation. The country systematically joined international organizations. These partnerships made it possible to outmaneuver the conflicts that paralyzed the whole region. New invitations from main actors knocked on the door.
The liberation of occupied territories in the autumn of 2020, within six weeks, showcased the effectiveness and resourcefulness of the non-aligned strategy executed by Azerbaijan. In these terms, Switzerland stands as a sample of neutrality, being prosperous, experiencing high-quality living standards, and having ironclad international prestige. The financial might gained as a result of not joining any military conflicts throughout two consecutive centuries becomes a mesmerizing goal and example for Azerbaijan as well.
The Azerbaijani government puts all available efforts into rescuing the South Caucasian region from the bloody claws of conflicts, terror, and extremism. That is why the country perseveres in launching international mega trade and economic projects (such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor) throughout the region as soon as possible. Azerbaijan continues negotiations with international financial and banking structures. Every year, President Aliyev holds meetings with related organizations at Davos and Munich conferences. We invite international capital into the region, particularly for the restoration and reconstruction of the Karabakh region.
From my perspective as an analyst, it is not a dream for Azerbaijan to become a full-fledged copy of Switzerland.
