Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, recently introduced only two countries, the United States and China, as the superpowers of the world in his speech at the eighth congress of the ruling party "New Azerbaijan." These statements were made while Aliyev notably did not mention Russia, which has historically been recognized as a dominant power in the South Caucasus.
Why Only Two Superpowers?
In his remarks, Aliyev emphasized that there is no third superpower, and Azerbaijan, as a strategic partner of both superpowers, will strengthen its relations with them. This positioning clearly indicates new changes in Azerbaijan's foreign policies and a distancing from Russia.
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Relations between Baku and Moscow witnessed severe tensions in 2025, especially after the crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane in December 2024. This incident led to heightened diplomatic disputes and significantly impacted the relations between the two countries.
Implications of These Statements
Aliyev's disregard for Russia may indicate a significant shift in Azerbaijan's foreign policy. This country, geographically located in the South Caucasus, has historically been influenced by Russian interests. However, now by choosing the United States and China as the main superpowers, Aliyev shows that Baku is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with the West and distance itself from Moscow.
This positioning could have far-reaching consequences for the future of Azerbaijan's relations with neighboring countries, especially Russia. In this context, Baku is expected to act as a bridge between the West and the East while striving to maintain its national interests in the process.
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