Influence and Norm Entrepreneurship: Azerbaijan’s Strategic Deployment of Soft Power

Abstract

In this article, it is mentioned that Azerbaijan’s strategic deployment of soft power across a variety of realms, including economic and public diplomacy, educational initiatives, and humanitarian leadership, is examined. It is clearly understood from this text that Azerbaijan is actively shaping global conversations and ideals, earning it the reputation of being a norm entrepreneur. Situated at the crossroads of cultural, economic, and political trends, the significance of leveraging its considerable energy resources and economic alliances to bolster its international standing is recognized by Azerbaijan. This analysis explores Azerbaijan as a norm entrepreneur and reveals its ability to respond quickly in crisis situations and global cooperation. At the same time, the article analyzes the priority issues that Azerbaijan has set before itself since the 1990s - issues such as the liberation of its lands from occupation, bringing these situations to the attention of the international community, and preventing all kinds of provocations, and the indispensable role of cultural and public diplomacy in this sense are analyzed. While highlighting the country’s commitment to global solidarity, the challenges posed by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the delicate balance required when using energy resources for political leverage are critically examined in the article. A considerable effort towards resolving the intricate connection between economic power and infrastructural improvements is made. Through ambitious projects like the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, not only is Azerbaijan’s economic prowess enhanced but also its significance in ensuring energy stability in Europe is solidified. More than that, this fact is about widening economic exchanges, the importance of a single market, and enhancing Azerbaijan’s soft power through more cooperation.