Azerbaijani Domestic Politics

Azerbaijani domestic politics has been a significant factor in the ongoing conflict with Armenia. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan has been engaged in a decades-long struggle with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Although a ceasefire was declared in 1994, tensions between the two countries have remained high, and Azerbaijan is actively pursuing a military solution to the conflict.

Domestic politics in Azerbaijan is dominated by President Ilham Aliyev, who has held office since 2003. Aliyev has maintained a firm grip on power through a combination of repressive measures, including the suppression of dissent, the restriction of media freedoms, and the imprisonment of opposition activists. The regime is also accused of using violence to suppress anti-government protests and impose restrictions on civil society organizations.

Aliyev's government has used the conflict with Armenia as a pretext to maintain its grip on power. The government has used the conflict to justify its authoritarian policies, such as restrictions on media freedom and the imprisonment of journalists. It has also used the conflict to bolster its popularity by portraying itself as the defender of the nation against the “Armenian aggression.”

For these reasons, Azerbaijan’s domestic politics plays a significant role in the ongoing conflict with Armenia. The government has used the conflict to distract from its repressive policies, bolster its popularity, and deflect criticism from pressing domestic issues. It is clear that the conflict will continue to be a significant factor in Azerbaijani politics until these issues are addressed.