Azerbaijan as an Emerging Middle Power after the 44-Day War and Reshaping the Foreign Policy

Abstract

After the 44-day war of September–November 2020 and the anti-terror measures conducted in September 2023 by Azerbaijan in its formerly occupied territories, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and provided the necessary basis for ensuring its security and stability in the future. The new status quo in the South Caucasus region also formed a new reality that strongly contributed to Azerbaijan’s currently developing status as a middle power. This article defines the notion of middle power and the specifics of states with such status. Further, the current status of Azerbaijan in regional and international fora is analysed on the basis of the proposed category. As middle powers attach great importance to diplomatic actions in the international arena, such states’ agendas and priorities are mainly determined in this field. Moreover, this article also analyses the tools and agenda for expanding Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and its more active participation in the global arena.