Events of recent years have shown that the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation of the international order, marked by a shift toward multipolarity amid intensified global competition. We are living in an era of a “world without rules,” where old international norms are no longer functioning and are giving way to the politics of power. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly spoken about this in his public addresses.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Azerbaijani leader noted that international relations are entering a new stage which, unfortunately, is characterized not by the rule of law but by the dominance of force — a trend clearly visible in various regions of the world.
Earlier, in one of his interviews, he also pointed out that what is known as international law no longer exists in today’s world: “Let everyone forget about it. There is power, there is cooperation, there are alliances, and there is mutual support.”
Azerbaijan’s own experience, he noted, is a vivid example of the ineffectiveness of legal mechanisms. For several decades, Baku patiently waited for the implementation of four UN Security Council resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian occupying forces from Azerbaijani territory. However, these decisions remained only on paper until the Azerbaijani army resolved the issue by force.
Given that international institutions are no longer functioning effectively and that threats and conflict zones are increasing, the question arises as to how prepared Azerbaijan is to respond to emerging challenges.
Commenting on this issue to Minval Politika, political analyst and member of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, Rasim Musabayov, said: “Azerbaijan has no intention of being drawn into any conflicts or confrontations. But to our north is Russia, which behaves like a revisionist power and is obsessed with the idea of establishing its own order along the perimeter of its borders. This always entails risks, and we must be ready — including through diplomatic means — to counter these risks while maintaining dialogue.”
In his view, Azerbaijan must be prepared to neutralize emerging risks through allied relations with Türkiye and the countries of Central Asia, as well as by building strong relations with China and the United States.
“The same applies to our southern neighbor, where there are always risks associated with the possibility that, if an Islamist regime strengthens, expansionist ambitions will grow. It would then try to interfere in the affairs of neighboring states through its proxies. We see this trend from Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon to Yemen and Palestine,” the political scientist noted.
The expert recalled that Azerbaijan has repeatedly thwarted attempts to spread such influence toward its own territory. “But there is also the risk that this country could face a collapse of power, chaos, or civil war, which would create additional risks for Azerbaijan — risks for which we must always be prepared,” he said.
“We must be ready to prevent the spillover of these uncontrolled developments onto our territory,” Musabayov added, emphasizing that alongside dialogue and diplomatic efforts, it is essential to have strong state institutions and sufficiently powerful armed forces capable of self-defense.
“All of this is being implemented by Azerbaijan. I believe that in this direction the efforts of our leadership, supported by the population, will continue,” Musabayov noted.
According to the deputy, “security and stability are not given to anyone as a gift.” Achieving them requires not only a strong army, but also solid alliances and internal unity between the state and society.
“Traditionally, we closely monitor the situation in Armenia, because it is rebuilding the combat readiness of its armed forces. It is clear that Armenia has received many lessons, and despite the presence of revanchist forces, it is not capable of causing harm to Azerbaijan on its own. Armenia can only act as a proxy for Russia or Iran, if they decide to take such risks. However, I do not think that even revanchist forces would dare to do so after the military lessons they have learned. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan continues to monitor this factor as well,” Musabayov concluded.
