Townhall: Biden administration failed to grasp Azerbaijan’s growing strategic value

The administration of former US President Joe Biden pursued a misguided policy toward Azerbaijan for four years, underestimating the country’s importance as a strategic partner, energy supplier, and key transportation hub in the South Caucasus.

In an article for Townhall, Bryan Leib, political commentator and foreign policy adviser to US Congressman Abraham Hamadeh, argued that, instead of recognising Azerbaijan as one of Washington’s most important regional partners, the Biden administration allowed political disagreements and outdated assumptions to shape US policy.

“The administration overlooked Azerbaijan's growing importance as a reliable security partner, a critical energy supplier, and an emerging economic and transportation hub connecting Europe and Central Asia,” he wrote.

Leib, who is in Azerbaijan to attend the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, said relations between the United States and Azerbaijan are stronger today than ever before.

According to him, this is reflected not only in diplomacy but also in expanding strategic cooperation, strengthening economic ties, and a shared understanding that stability in the South Caucasus serves the interests of both countries.

The commentator contrasted Biden’s approach with that of US President Donald Trump, arguing that American foreign policy should reward reliable partners and advance US strategic interests rather than rely on outdated perceptions.

“That shift is already strengthening one of the most important bilateral relationships in a region that will only become more consequential in the years ahead,” Leib wrote.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s strategic geographic position, noting that the country borders Russia to the north and Iran to the south while serving as a bridge between Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

In an era of intensifying global competition, Leib argued, both geography and dependable partnerships are becoming increasingly important, giving the United States strong reasons to deepen relations with Azerbaijan.

One of the most important areas of cooperation, he said, is energy security. Leib noted that long before Europe began seeking alternatives to Russian energy supplies, Azerbaijan had invested heavily in diversifying export routes and strengthening regional infrastructure.

Today, Azerbaijani energy resources play a significant role in enhancing Europe’s energy security and reducing its dependence on unfriendly suppliers, he added.

“The partnership extends well beyond energy. Azerbaijan served alongside the United States in Afghanistan, supported international security operations, and provided critical transit routes during America's longest war. Those contributions demonstrated that Azerbaijan is more than a regional partner. It is a dependable one,” Leib stressed.

He also pointed to Azerbaijan’s substantial investments in ports, railways, highways, aviation, and logistics, arguing that these projects are transforming the country into a major commercial hub linking East and West.

According to Leib, this creates significant opportunities for American businesses in sectors including energy, infrastructure, technology, transportation, agriculture, and cybersecurity.

The analyst further linked the development of bilateral ties to what he described as the shared approaches of US President Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. In his view, both leaders understand that peace is achieved through strength.

He described both presidents as advocates of peace who recognise that lasting stability requires secure borders, economic growth, strong national leadership, and a willingness to confront difficult issues directly.

According to Leib, Trump has consistently pursued an “America First” foreign policy aimed at achieving peace through strength and avoiding unnecessary wars.

President Ilham Aliyev, meanwhile, has focused on reconstruction, economic development, regional connectivity, and establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus following decades of conflict.

Leib argued that this shared philosophy creates opportunities for further deepening cooperation between the two countries.

He also said that a durable peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia could transform the South Caucasus for generations by expanding trade, attracting investment, strengthening regional transport networks, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

The commentator urged the United States to continue supporting the peace process while deepening its strategic relationship with Azerbaijan.

Leib noted that he has visited Azerbaijan multiple times and has personally witnessed the country’s investments in modernisation, infrastructure, tourism, and international cooperation.

He said the Shusha Global Media Forum demonstrates Azerbaijan’s commitment to bringing together journalists, policymakers, and opinion leaders from different countries to exchange ideas and strengthen international dialogue.

Particular attention was devoted to the city of Shusha, which Leib described as a symbol of recovery, resilience, and national renewal.

“Once devastated by conflict, the city has become a symbol of reconstruction, resilience, and national renewal. It reflects Azerbaijan's determination to build for the future rather than remain captive to the past,” he wrote.

Leib acknowledged that no strategic partnership is free from disagreements and that even allies may view certain issues differently. However, he argued that mature diplomacy should be grounded in shared interests and should not allow occasional differences to define the broader relationship.

Among those shared interests, he identified energy security, expanded commercial opportunities, regional stability, and the development of a more interconnected South Caucasus.

He called on the US Congress to support stronger bilateral ties, broader commercial engagement, and deeper diplomatic cooperation.

According to Leib, the time has come to move beyond outdated approaches that no longer reflect current geopolitical realities or the progress achieved in US-Azerbaijan relations.

“The United States and Azerbaijan are well positioned to accomplish more together than ever before. President Trump and President Aliyev understand that peace is not maintained through wishful thinking. It is built through strength, economic opportunity, and leaders willing to pursue practical solutions instead of endless conflict.

After spending time here in Shusha, I am more optimistic than ever about the future of this partnership. The relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan has never been stronger. Now is the time to build on that momentum,” Leib concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada