Balancing Powers: Azerbaijan’s National Role Conceptions Amidst Regional And Global Challenges

This study explores Azerbaijan's National Role Conceptions (NRCs) since its independence in 1991, analyzing how these evolving conceptions have shaped its foreign policy. Situated in the geopolitically sensitive South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has adopted various NRCs—including "regional stabilizer," "energy provider," and "bridge between East and West"—to address complex regional dynamics. Through a case study approach focusing on the leadership of Heydar and Ilham Aliyev, this paper examines the interplay between role perceptions, leadership transitions, and external pressures. The findings highlight Azerbaijan’s pragmatic strategy in balancing regional powers like Russia and Turkey while simultaneously engaging Western entities. This research sheds light on the inherent contradictions in Azerbaijan's NRCs, particularly its claims as a regional stabilizer amidst ongoing tensions. Ultimately, the study contributes to the broader understanding of NRCs as tools of both influence and adaptability in foreign policy decision-making.