Azerbaijan’s peacekeeping role: strengthening military power and global standing Expert opinions on Caliber.Az

The Republic of Azerbaijan aims to qualitatively and quantitatively increase its contribution to ensuring international security, relying on the solid experience of its Armed Forces.

Azerbaijan’s peacekeeping activity has deep roots, dating back to 1999. Over this period, more than 3,000 servicemen have participated in international missions, which has enabled the formation within the national army of a significant corps of professionals with real experience of service in international environments.

Today, Baku is not limiting itself to the results achieved and is actively exploring opportunities for participation in new operations. As Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov noted, the ministry is thoroughly studying the prospects of expanding its presence in missions under the mandate of major international organisations.

The main focus is on cooperation with the UN and NATO. This reflects Azerbaijan’s aspiration to ensure a high level of operational interoperability of its units with the world’s leading armies and to strengthen its image as a reliable strategic partner in matters of global stability.

What is the primary purpose of this for Azerbaijan itself? Is it to provide the army with access to modern methods of conducting international operations? How effective is this approach?

Leading experts shared their views with Caliber.Az.

Doctor of Military and Political Sciences, Professor Vakhtang Maisaia (Georgia), stated that the issue is important and highly relevant.

“Azerbaijan has already built a significant military superiority over many countries of the former Soviet Union and is even on par with some NATO armed forces.

The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have demonstrated a high level of combat capability and readiness to carry out even ‘unthinkable’ missions and tasks, which indicates a high operational and strategic level of training.

Azerbaijan has extensive experience in participating in peacekeeping operations under the auspices of NATO and the UN, and continuing this course is a key issue.

First of all, it enhances the country’s international status. The state demonstrates its readiness to contribute to ensuring stability not only at the national and regional level but also globally, which is of great importance for its international prestige,” the professor said.

Secondly, he said, it also enables the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan to maintain a high level of combat readiness at the operational-strategic level and to continuously master new tactical and strategic developments emerging in global military practice.

“This enhances the status of the army and allows it to remain among the strongest in the world.

Thirdly, there are specialised rating agencies and research centres such as SIPRI and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which assess a state’s level of training and military power. This is also an important factor.

Fourthly, participation in such operations contributes to strengthening political stability and security within the country, as well as increasing the level of patriotism among the population.

These are the four main reasons why the participation of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces in peacekeeping operations abroad is of such importance,” Maisaia noted.

Political commentator Murad Sadaddinov, in turn, noted that at first glance, one might question why Azerbaijan needs to participate in peacekeeping operations if the main task of restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty has already been accomplished.

“However, politics is a complex matter, and Azerbaijan’s participation in international peacekeeping missions brings both political and military advantages.

By taking part in UN, NATO and other international organisation missions, the country presents itself as a responsible state contributing to international security, which is extremely important for strengthening its position on the global stage.

Peacekeepers gain a unique experience of operating in unstable and dangerous regions, ensuring the safety of civilians and interacting with military personnel from different countries under conditions of terrorist threats. Such experience cannot be obtained in peacetime and plays a vital role in enhancing the professionalism of the army.

Participation in international missions allows the adoption of modern standards of troop management, the mastering of new technologies of warfare and communications systems, as well as improving the foreign language skills and overall training of officers and soldiers.

The development of military cooperation is one of the most important factors in strengthening the armed forces.

Working side by side with military personnel from the United States, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and other countries enables the establishment of professional ties and the strengthening of partnerships. Azerbaijan has already participated in missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo and other regions, which contributes to shaping the country’s image as open to developing relations with Western countries and international organisations.

The experience gained is used to improve the national defence system and the training of a specialised peacekeeping battalion, which primarily enhances the prestige of the armed forces,” the expert emphasised.

In his view, training servicemen to NATO standards and expanding international contacts increases the country’s political weight.

“For Azerbaijan, located in the strategically important South Caucasus region, participation in peacekeeping operations is not only a military task but also an important instrument of foreign policy and diplomacy.

Our region is attractive to various forces that may organise provocations, especially given that key routes of the Middle Corridor pass through Azerbaijan. The significance of this transport route for the world’s leading political and economic centres is obvious.

There are forces opposing the development of the Middle Corridor and seeking to undermine it. Therefore, the strategic importance of the region requires Azerbaijan to continuously strengthen its armed forces and security system.

Participation in peacekeeping missions is one of the key ways to gain the necessary experience and improve the level of training of our servicemen in modern conditions,” Sadaddinov concluded.