AZERBAIJAN'S ENERGY GEOPOLITICS: THE ROLE OF OIL, GAS AND TRANSIT

This article analyzes Azerbaijan’s energy geopolitics in the context of its oil and natural gas resources, export routes, and transit potential. Azerbaijan’s energy resources form a crucial foundation for its economic development and regional influence. Major projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor have established Azerbaijan as a reliable energy exporter and transit country on the international stage. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Azerbaijan’s role in energy security within the strategic crossroads of the Eurasian region. Azerbaijan, endowed with abundant oil and gas reserves and serving as a key transit country, has become a significant player in global and regional energy markets. The article evaluates the volume of the country’s energy resources, particularly the strategic importance of the Caspian Sea basin, and the international cooperation of the Azerbaijan State Oil Company (SOCAR). Major energy projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) are extensively discussed in terms of diversifying Azerbaijan’s energy exports and contributing to Europe’s energy security. The authors also highlight the challenges faced in Azerbaijan’s energy geopolitics, including regional conflicts, geopolitical risks, and the volatility of global energy markets. The post-conflict regional cooperation opportunities and the Zangezur corridor increase Azerbaijan’s transit potential and strengthen its strategic position in the energy sector. The article further discusses Azerbaijan’s initiatives toward renewable energy sources within the framework of the global energy transition, its “green energy” strategy, and the role of international partnerships. Ultimately, energy geopolitics is considered an integral part of Azerbaijan’s regional stability and international cooperation policy. Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable alternative energy supplier to Europe becomes even more prominent. The article highlights the interdependence between energy security and regional stability, emphasizing the strategic importance of managing energy disruptions and geopolitical risks. Furthermore, the article analyzes the challenges faced by Azerbaijan’s energy sector including the green transition, development of renewable energy sources, climate change adaptation, and infrastructure security and explores the country’s prospects. Azerbaijan’s steps toward aligning with global energy transformation and maintaining regional leadership are underscored.