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Eldar Namazov: Azerbaijan is expanding its influence beyond the region

Eldar Namazov, Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies

24 June 2026 10:53 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, while being the strongest state in the South Caucasus, has also strengthened its position as a “middle power” in the international relations system by expanding its influence beyond the region, said Eldar Namazov, Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, at a conference titled “Azerbaijan as a Middle Power: Foreign Policy, Regional Influence and Global Participation,” APA reports.

He noted that the expanding application of artificial intelligence in the military sphere is a tendency of serious strategic importance.

“The world is changing rapidly, and new criteria are coming to the forefront in the international relations system. Azerbaijan must also actively participate in these global processes and further strengthen its position and leading role in this field,” Eldar Namazov emphasized.

Eldar Namazov noted that not only major powers but also countries capable of exerting significant influence on regional and global processes play an important role in international relations.

“When determining middle power status, key criteria include a country's territory, population, economic capabilities, military potential, diplomatic activity, and international influence. Having a large territory or a sizeable population does not always mean possessing greater influence,” he added.

Guljahan Mammadova

Azerbaijan Eldar Namazov Center for Strategic and International Studies middle power international relations foreign policy regional influence global participation South Caucasus artificial intelligence military technology diplomacy international influence geopolitical role