Azerbaijan, still an outsider in the Western community

Recently, Azerbaijan has been particularly active trying to strengthen its position in the geopolitical arena through the development of military potential and deepening cooperation with NATO and the United States. Baku, a key ally of Washington in the South Caucasus, is also trying to gain a foothold in the Central Asian region, positioning itself as a political “bridge” between the West and the East. No coincidence that Azerbaijan has recently become a full-fledged member of the Consultative Meetings of Heads of State of Central Asia. While this may seem to be normal at first, the ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Baku’s history of using force to resolve political issues, should at least raise concerns in the United States.

Furthermore, Baku has been a close partner of Ankara for decades. Turkey’s active involvement in the domestic and foreign policies of its “younger brother” carries the risk of drawing both Turkey and NATO into another possible long and costly conflict, initiated by Azerbaijan. The American electorate is already weary of supporting Ukraine, the constant escalation of tensions with China, tariff wars and the fight against Latin American cartels. Additional funding for Azerbaijan will not please Americans at all.