Navigating Geopolitical Alliances: Understanding Azerbaijan’s Relationship with Israel over Iran

Abstract

This article examines the complex relationships between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Israel and attempts to provide an explanation for Azerbaijan’s greater inclination toward Israel than Iran. It analyzes Iran’s view of the relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan in the larger South Caucasus context, taking into account historical background, present events, and future predictions. Using a wide range of geopolitical analyses and sources, the study aims to understand the manifold variables that impact Iran’s attitude toward Azerbaijan’s alignment with Israel. From a theoretical perspective, the article explores the strategic features of this triangular connection by means of a neorealist paradigm. It applies game theory in order to assess the many strategic alternatives accessible to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Israel, emphasizing the reasons for Azerbaijan’s inclination towards Israel. The study improves our knowledge of the complicated dynamics underlying Azerbaijan’s preference for Israel over Iran, as well as the broader ramifications for the South Caucasus region, by analyzing the interactions between the variables at play. It seeks to highlight the historical, geopolitical, and strategic factors that contribute to Azerbaijan’s alignment with Israel over Iran, as well as the effect of this alignment on the geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus region.