Publication

This paper examines Azerbaijan’s policies towards religion and national identity. More specifically, the text’s authors look at 1) the interwoven debate that exists over the country’s history, national identity and commitment to secularism; 2) the government’s policies towards religious and national minority groups; 3) the attitudes towards these groups in Azerbaijani society; 4) Western criticisms of Azerbaijan’s minority and religious policies; and 5) how these policies have been affected by developments in neighboring countries. The authors conclude that despite Azerbaijan’s troubles, the West should view the country as a largely successful laboratory for the promotion of moderate Islam.