Public Diplomacy Cooperation Proposal for Türkiye and Azerbaijan

This study posits that Türkiye and Azerbaijan, united by the concept of “one nation, two states,” which is deeply ingrained in public opinion and reflected in their cooperation, can expand their strategic partnership into the realm of public diplomacy. Both nations have sought to align their interests, increase their visibility on the global stage, engage with people from other countries, and share their narratives with the world. Notably, both countries prioritize public diplomacy activities. Azerbaijan’s public diplomacy efforts have primarily centered on highlighting Armenia’s occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the Khojaly Massacre since its inception. These issues have been Azerbaijan’s primary policy focus, limiting its ability to develop its public diplomacy tools and actors in other areas. Conversely, Türkiye appears to place relatively greater emphasis on public diplomacy activities within its region and boasts strong public diplomacy tools and actors. This study aims to transfer Türkiye’s public diplomacy experiences to Azerbaijan and explore the potential for joint public diplomacy initiatives between the two nations. By comparing the public diplomacy policies of both countries, the study analyzes the prerequisites for Türkiye and Azerbaijan to engage in joint public diplomacy activities.