In 2024, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, continued to demonstrate significant political achievements, solidifying the country’s position on the international stage while addressing key domestic issues. Among the most notable successes of 2023 was the restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Karabakh, a result of years of struggle for territorial integrity. This paved the way for further normalization of relations with Armenia in 2024, including the initiation of the border demarcation and delimitation process between the two states.
For the first time in Azerbaijan’s modern history, presidential and parliamentary elections were held across the entire territory of the country, including Karabakh and East Zangezur. These elections marked a significant milestone in the nation’s political development, symbolising the restoration of full sovereignty and territorial integrity following the conclusion of the Second Karabakh War in 2020. The opportunity for voters in Shusha, Khankendi, and other liberated cities to participate signified a major step toward integrating these regions into the political, social, and economic fabric of Azerbaijan. This also demonstrated the state’s capacity to organize and conduct democratic processes, even in the context of post-conflict recovery.
Despite continued military support to Armenia from countries such as France, India, and the United States—driven by their own geopolitical interests in the region—Azerbaijan has maintained its military superiority. The country continues to modernize its armed forces, incorporating advanced systems such as drones and air defense technologies, which significantly enhance the army’s combat readiness. According to the Ministry of Defense, Azerbaijan has undertaken extensive equipment upgrades and conducted regular joint exercises with Türkiye since 2020, strengthening military cooperation. These measures, coupled with strategic partnerships with Türkiye, ensure Azerbaijan’s stable military advantage and its ability to respond effectively to regional security threats. As President Ilham Aliyev recently announced, the country’s defense budget for 2025 is set to reach a record $5 billion.
Baku remains acutely aware of the reluctance of certain states to accept the new geopolitical realities in the region following Azerbaijan’s victory in 2020. Official statements from Paris, Washington, Brussels, and other global players often support peace between the two South Caucasus republics but occasionally contradict their actions. A case in point is the deployment of foreign representatives in Armenia under the guise of a “EU mission” two years ago, which has since served as a pretext for expanding military presence. It has come to light that this so-called civil European mission has evolved into a NATO mission as now including Canadian representatives and building military infrastructure along the border between the two nations.
Nevertheless, President Ilham Aliyev’s professional approach to negotiations with neighbors, including Armenia, and his active efforts to maintain peace in the region have continued to stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus. His political strategy in 2024 also focused on strengthening ties with international partners, despite occasional political disagreements. Notable progress was made in expanding economic and energy projects, contributing to economic diversification and bolstering Azerbaijan’s role as a key player on Europe’s energy map.
Additionally, Azerbaijan advanced the “Great Return” process, facilitating the resettlement of internally displaced persons to liberated territories. This initiative marked a critical phase in restoring normal life in liberated areas. President Ilham Aliyev’s decisions emphasized infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other social and cultural facilities. In 2024, new residential neighborhoods, infrastructure projects, job creation initiatives, and agricultural development efforts were completed, often aligned with the transition to “green energy.”
Azerbaijan also achieved notable success in renewable energy development and hosted the COP29 climate conference, a milestone in global climate action. The event brought together leading experts, scientists, ecologists, politicians, and representatives of international organizations, providing a platform to address pressing environmental issues and devise strategies for sustainable development. As the host country, Azerbaijan demonstrated its active role in global climate initiatives, emphasizing environmental security and climate adaptation in the South Caucasus context.
In 2024, Azerbaijan intensified its efforts to highlight the importance of resolving the issue of the return of Azerbaijanis to lands within modern Armenia, particularly Western Azerbaijan. Utilizing international platforms such as the United Nations and other organizations, Azerbaijan garnered increased international support for this cause, representing a significant step toward restoring historical justice. These territories, historically home to many Azerbaijanis who were forcibly displaced during the 20th century due to ethnic cleansing, remain a central concern for the nation.
Another notable success of President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership has been Azerbaijan’s active participation in combating neocolonialism. As one of the largest colonial powers, France has historically exploited and oppressed numerous nations worldwide. While France’s foreign policy has evolved in recent decades, many nations still grapple with the consequences of its colonial legacy, fueling dissatisfaction and resistance. Azerbaijan’s stance against neocolonialism underscores the importance of equality, independence, and sovereignty.
As President Ilham Aliyev aptly stated, “Peace is not merely the signing of an agreement.” Azerbaijan is doing everything possible to establish a lasting and durable peace in the South Caucasus, ensuring the prosperity of all countries in the region and contributing to global stability. The year 2024 has become a crucial link in this chain of progress. Azerbaijan’s influence continues to grow on the global stage, and Ilham Aliyev’s name is firmly established as a leader committed to justice and determined to defend the interests of his people to the very end.
Anastasia Lavrina is a Political analyst, research fellow in the Institute of Development and Diplomacy at ADA University (Azerbaijan).
