Ahmad Hashemi, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia program at the Global Policy Institute, discussed the expanding cooperation between Baku and Washington.
Geopolitical Importance of Azerbaijan
- Strategic Location: Azerbaijan is uniquely positioned between Russia, Iran, and Central Asia, making it the only nation bordering both key US adversaries (Iran and Russia).
- Middle Power Diplomacy: The country actively promotes dialogue and acts as an independent norm entrepreneur bridging Eastern and Western interests.
Energy Security and Transit
- Alternative Energy Routes: Azerbaijan provides Europe with vital alternative energy pathways, especially critical given ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf region.
- The Zangezur Corridor: Often referred to by US leadership as the “Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity,” this developing transit route aims to strongly enhance East-West trade, connectivity, and regional stability.
- Central Asian Connectivity: The nation offers landlocked Central Asian countries an essential independent route to the global market, helping them reduce their reliance on Moscow and Beijing.
The dialogue highlights a shifting relationship, moving beyond traditional energy partnerships toward comprehensive strategic and diplomatic integration.
Link to the video: https://youtu.be/g5TVKv5l3Rs
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Ahmad Hashemi, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Program at the Global Policy Institute (GPI). 