Here’s why Putin’s latest trip is so important for the emerging world order

By Farhad Ibragimov – expert, lecturer at the Faculty of Economics of RUDN University, visiting lecturer at the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Azerbaijan can rightfully be described as historic. This marks the first time a Russian president has made an official state visit to this South Caucasian republic. The high status of this visit is a clear reflection of the current state of Russian-Azerbaijani relations, which are at an all-time high. Despite Azerbaijan not being a member of organizations such as the CSTO and EAEU, its relationship with Moscow remains robust.

A significant milestone in relations was the signing of the Declaration on Allied Interaction (the Moscow Declaration) on February 22, 2022, by the leaders of both countries, which, as Putin noted during his visit, is being successfully implemented. Azerbaijan is transitioning from being a strategic partner to becoming a strategic ally of Russia. This shift can be attributed in part to both countries’ shared commitment to establishing a new multipolar world, resulting in aligned positions on many issues within the current international agenda.

While Azerbaijan maintains a stance of strict neutrality in certain areas, it is also unafraid to express its views openly. Baku recognizes that the formation of a new world order is not mere fiction but a reality unfolding before our eyes. Trusting relationships between the leadership of both nations play a significant role in this development. Notably, during the meeting between Putin and Ilham Aliyev, the prospects of Azerbaijan joining BRICS and the SCO were discussed, signaling Baku’s readiness to define its foreign policy priorities.

This does not mean Azerbaijan is ready to sever ties with the West; however, European capitals – particularly Paris, Brussels, and London – have made it clear through their provocative behavior toward Azerbaijan that they do not intend to treat it as an equal partner, thus leaving Baku with little option. Azerbaijan has crafted its foreign policy to safeguard its interests without yielding to Western demands. In simple terms, Baku will not sacrifice its national interests merely to appease the Collective West.

Recently, neighboring Georgia has adopted a similar perspective. For decades, it constrained itself by commitments to the West, hoping to become an ally at the expense of its relationship with Russia. Now, Georgia is openly pushing back against the West, recognizing that its own interests take precedence over illusory European promises, which have yielded nothing but a deterioration of ties with Moscow.

Increasingly, voices in Georgia are calling for the normalization of relations with Russia, looking to Azerbaijan’s experience under Aliyev’s leadership, which has embraced pragmatism in its dealings with neighbors such as Russia, Iran, and Turkey – thus establishing them as close partners. In essence, Baku’s approach has influenced Tbilisi, which in recent years has opted for a more consistent strategy rather than indulging in hysteria and Russophobia – tendencies that some post-Soviet republics have exploited.

This sets the stage for a compelling geopolitical landscape in the strategically significant South Caucasus region, which holds particular interest for Russia due to its historical and national dimensions.

The discussions between the presidents covered a wide range of international and regional issues – from education and the status of the Russian language, which Baku holds in high regard, to economic matters and relations with third countries, as well as regional security. 

Additionally, Putin and Aliyev agreed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II). The date May 9, 1945 remains a cornerstone connecting Russia and Azerbaijan, and its mention in the leaders’ statements is telling.

Azerbaijan’s strong ties with Russia, regarded in Baku as one of the world’s leading powers, are significant for this South Caucasian nation. Today, Azerbaijan can rightfully claim to be a key player in the region. This status has been bolstered not only by its growing geopolitical influence, but also by its economic advancements over the past two decades. Azerbaijan is now looking to elevate its role on the international stage, aiming to shape and contribute to global agendas. 

It’s no coincidence that Azerbaijan is actively participating in the Non-Aligned Movement summit, hosting major global events (such as COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference in November, which is expected to draw around 80,000 attendees), and promoting initiatives linked to organizations such as the SCO and BRICS. In July 2023, the Azerbaijani president met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss enhancing Azerbaijan’s status within the SCO (currently, Azerbaijan is a dialogue partner), with Beijing reportedly supporting Baku’s aspirations.

Regarding BRICS, Azerbaijan has closely observed the organization’s rapid growth, particularly in the last two years. The Global South is openly challenging Western dominance, asserting its voice – a reality that Europe and the US must now contend with, something that would have seemed unimaginable a decade or so ago.

Azerbaijan appreciates the increasing influence of the Global South, particularly with regard to new geopolitical projects such as BRICS, noting that not everyone gets invited into this club. For instance, Turkey expressed a desire to join BRICS in June; however, Moscow and Beijing deemed these ambitions premature, especially given Turkey’s membership in NATO, which is often at odds with Russia and China.

Despite Turkey’s attempts to balance its position between the West and East, similar to other NATO members such as Hungary and Slovakia, it has not yet achieved this goal.

In contrast, Azerbaijan navigates its partnerships more freely, having avoided military alliances, which allows for greater flexibility in choosing allies. Azerbaijan feels more secure and comfortable in its Eastern relationships, as reflected in its current foreign policy approach. Putin even extended an invitation to his Azerbaijani counterpart to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, signaling Russia’s willingness to support Azerbaijan’s entry into BRICS. This development contributes to a shifting geopolitical landscape, not only in the South Caucasus but throughout the broader Eurasian region.