On June 11, 2026, the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) hosted an event titled “New Geopolitical Realities in the South Caucasus: Azerbaijan and the Peace Agenda.” The event was held as the final stage of the article competition organized by the Center on the same topic.
Moderated by AIR Center’s Leading Advisor, Sultan Zahidov, the event aimed to discuss the new geopolitical realities emerging in the South Caucasus, analyze Azerbaijan’s regional peace and cooperation agenda, and promote the scientific and analytical activities of young researchers.
In his opening remarks, AIR Center's Chairman of the Board Farid Shafiyev highlighted the importance of the article competitions regularly organized by the Center. He emphasized that new geopolitical realities are emerging in the South Caucasus and that Azerbaijan plays a leading role in shaping these developments.
“Azerbaijan is the architect of the current peace agenda. Our country’s expectations and legitimate demands from Armenia have not changed. Although some Western media outlets call on Azerbaijan to adopt a softer approach regarding constitutional amendments and a referendum in Armenia, such narratives do not serve the peace agenda. The peace agenda based on Azerbaijan’s national interests contributes to both regional stability and broader security.
In the long term, different political forces may come to power in Armenia. Therefore, it is important for the Armenian people to express their position on constitutional change through a referendum,” Farid Shafiyev noted.
Matin Mammadli, the AIR Center’s Head of Department, emphasized that scientific and analytical thinking plays an important role in shaping states’ foreign policies in the modern era. He noted that the regional security architecture is undergoing rapid transformation and that new geopolitical realities are emerging.
“The formation of the peace agenda following the Second Karabakh War became possible as a result of Azerbaijan’s thoughtful and consistent diplomacy based on national interests. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace. A return to the confrontational and revanchist narratives of the past would seriously undermine the peace agenda. The peace agenda put forward by Azerbaijan is grounded in the norms and principles of international law. Azerbaijan, both as a state and as a society, is prepared for peace and remains committed to strengthening regional stability. At the same time, our country possesses the capacity to neutralize any threat to its national security.”
Addressing the results of the elections held in Armenia, Member of the Milli Majlis Gaya Mammadov drew attention to the next steps required in the peace process. She stated that Azerbaijan had been the driving force behind the peace agenda in the region and that the current stage of the process had been achieved largely due to Azerbaijan’s contributions.
“Armenian society must eliminate territorial claims against Azerbaijan through a referendum. This is both a political and legal necessity. Azerbaijan has taken steps to create opportunities for practical cooperation, both at the political and diplomatic levels and in areas where cooperation is possible without waiting for the signing of a peace agreement. Certain transit opportunities have already emerged. In this way, the Azerbaijani government has demonstrated its readiness for peace not only through political statements but also through practical measures.”
Member of the Milli Majlis Rizvan Nabiyev stated that the parliamentary elections in Armenia clearly demonstrated the geopolitical competition in the region and reflected the interests of various actors.
“During the elections, we observed the interests of three main actors: Russia, the West, and Azerbaijan. The first two actors openly interfered in the electoral process and publicly expressed their positions. Azerbaijan, by contrast, adopted a more restrained approach. This is because Azerbaijan established the peace platform in the region. The approach put forward by President Ilham Aliyev was subsequently reflected in the political agenda of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government.
The support of a significant segment of Armenian society for the peace agenda demonstrates that the ideas of stability and cooperation are gaining wider acceptance throughout the region.
The Pashinyan government must demonstrate sufficient political will to utilize the political and legal mechanisms at its disposal. International experience is also important in building confidence. For example, joint academic activities involving young people played a significant role in the long-term reconciliation process between France and Germany. Similar approaches could be applied in relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
At the conclusion of the event, the winners of the article competition were awarded certificates.
According to the competition results, Narmin Ismayilova’s research paper, “The Washington Peace Declaration as a Milestone for Regional Peace and Cooperation,” was awarded first place. Nazrin Gasimova’s research paper, “The Political, Economic, and Social Implications of the 2020 Patriotic War and the 2023 Anti-Terror Measures for the South Caucasus,” received second place. Aysel Samedova’s research paper, “Connectivity as a Peace Strategy: The Zangezur Corridor and the Transformation of Regional Geopolitics in the South Caucasus,” was awarded third place.
It should be noted that the primary objective of the AIR Center’s article competitions, which have become a well-established tradition, is to foster the academic and analytical development of young researchers on issues that are central to the country’s strategic agenda. The competitions also provide an important platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among academics, public stakeholders, and media professionals, thereby contributing to a more interactive and informed intellectual environment.
