Publication

This report addresses state and development of Azerbaijan shortly after the inauguration of President Ilham Aliyev, who succeeded his father. The paper outlines regional strategic issues, including Caspian energy politics and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and discusses the handover of power from father to son Aliyev. Subsequently, the paper elaborates on the presidential elections of October 2003 and explores challenges ahead, including clashes among the ruling elite, religion and governance. The paper states that foreign criticism about Azerbaijan was muted due to commercial energy interests and strategic advantages in the region.