Azerbaıjan’s Relations wıth Central Asian Turkic States and Energy Diplomacy

Abstract

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Turkic states in the Caucasus and Central Asia encountered significant political, economic, and social crises, which profoundly shaped their foreign policies. By 1993, Azerbaijan, having achieved political stability, began capitalizing on its energy resources to engage in global projects and incorporated Russia into its strategy. Through effective use of both hard and soft power in its energy diplomacy, Azerbaijan strengthened its ties with Western countries. This strategy not only cemented Azerbaijan's independence on a solid political and economic basis but also established its energy export model as a crucial component in the integration of Turkic states. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine War has revived opportunities for enhanced cooperation among these nations. This study investigates the evolution of Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy with Turkic states since independence and posits that the Russia-Ukraine conflict will further promote energy cooperation. Initially, the study outlines the framework of Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy. It then examines the legal foundations of its energy relations with Central Asian Turkic states. Finally, the study explores practical collaborations and potential opportunities in energy diplomacy both before and after the onset of the war.