Opinion: Is it time for Azerbaijan to reconsider its CIS membership?

Abstract

In recent years, Azerbaijan’s relationship with Russia and Russia-led multilateral frameworks has entered a period of growing ambiguity. Statements by prominent Russian ideologues and narratives circulating in Russian state media increasingly question the sovereignty and independent foreign policy choices of post-Soviet states, including Azerbaijan. Against this backdrop, Baku faces a legitimate and timely question: what tangible political or strategic value does continued membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) actually provide?