THE FUNCTIONS OF FRANCOPHONIE AS A TOOL OF FOREIGN POLICY INFLUENCE ON AZERBAIJAN: DEVELOPMENT AND CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RESOLVED KARABAKH CONFLICT

This article examines the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) as a strategic instrument of French foreign policy, particularly in its influence over Azerbaijan. While ostensibly a cultural and linguistic alliance, Francophonie has increasingly been utilized as a platform for advancing France’s geopolitical interests, particularly in the South Caucasus, where it aligns closely with Armenia’s diplomatic stance. The study traces the historical evolution of France’s engagement in the region, highlighting how its role in the OSCE Minsk Group and its diplomatic maneuvering within Francophonie have systematically tilted in favor of Yerevan’s narratives—often to the detriment of Azerbaijan’s territorial sovereignty. Special attention is paid to France’s deployment of political resolutions, economic incentives, and legislative measures, such as the 2012 criminalization of Armenian Genocide denial, as mechanisms of leverage. Moreover, the article underscores France’s continued opposition to Azerbaijan’s post-war reintegration efforts following the Second Karabakh War (2020), exploring how Paris strategically employs Francophonie’s diplomatic framework to amplify pro-Armenian rhetoric in international forums. The economic and military dimensions of French-Armenian relations are also scrutinized, particularly in the context of arms supplies and infrastructure projects. Ultimately, this analysis contends that France’s actions within Francophonie reflect a broader pattern of neocolonial engagement, wherein Paris seeks to maintain regional footholds under the guise of cultural diplomacy. The article concludes that despite sustained pressure, Azerbaijan’s geopolitical agency has strengthened, allowing Baku to counterbalance French diplomatic efforts while consolidating its regional influence.