Azerbaijan’s Strategic Role in Eurasian Pipeline Politics

As a stable and democratizing country in the geo-strategically important South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan plays a key role in energy security, stability, and regional economic cooperation. Elkhan Nuriyev, director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan, discussed the heightened importance of energy transit and security as a result of the financial crisis.

With four major pipelines crossing its territory, Azerbaijan is already a key player in the region. Looking ahead, Mr. Nuriyev highlighted the potential for Azerbaijan to play an increased role as an energy producer, a party to the proposed Nabucco Pipeline, and as a cultural mediator in the Caucasus and the Middle East.