This paper asks the following questions: How did this politically controversial country nevertheless become one of the EU's most important energy suppliers? Are Azerbaijan's oil and gas more important than European values?
Since the 19th century, Azerbaijan has been known worldwide as one of the most important oil suppliers. At the beginning of the 20th century, Azerbaijan supplied the Russian Tsarist Empire with its oil, during the Second World War its successor, the USSR, and since the late 1990s Azerbaijan has aspired to play an important role in European energy security. Today, Azerbaijani oil and gas are of great importance to the EU and many other countries in the region.
After Azerbaijan joined the European Council in 2001, several agreements and contracts for the supply of natural gas and oil followed. A new pipeline was even built to transport the minerals to the EU more quickly and easily. This seems to be at odds with the current governance and human rights situation in the country. Again and again, major accusations have been made against the government: war crimes, persecution of political opposition, restrictions on media freedom and freedom of expression, and generally no democratic governance.
Table of Contents
A. Introduction
B. Main part
I. Azerbaijan
1. History
2. Economy
3. Policy
a) The Constitution
b) Elections
c) Nagorno-Krabakh
II. Cooperation with the European Union
1. European Council and its values
2. Economic relations of Azerbaijan
3. Energy partnership
C. Conclusion
D. Annex
Objectives & Topics
This work examines the complex geopolitical and economic relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union, specifically focusing on whether the strategic importance of Azerbaijani energy resources overshadows the EU's commitment to democratic values and human rights.
- Historical evolution and statehood of Azerbaijan
- Economic dependence on the oil and gas sector
- Political challenges including human rights and constitutional governance
- The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a regional disruptor
- Energy diplomacy and infrastructure cooperation with the European Union
Excerpt from the Book
1. History
The first record of a "state" on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan dates back to 65 BC. The then "Albania" was occupied by Roman troops under Pompey. Thus it belonged to a vassal of the Roman Empire. After the turn of time, the Parthians ruled Azerbaijan. The Parthians are a people from the Greater Asia region. Among them, neighbourly disputes with Armenia and Iberia occurred time and again.
From the 2nd century onwards, the first Central Asian Turkic peoples settled in the area. The so-called "Huns" were an equestrian people and belonged to the "Az" tribe.
There are theories that ascribe name-giving weight to this tribe. Other theories derive the name of the country from fire, Azerbaijan would be called "Land of Fire".
The cities of Leika and Derben were founded in 643 AD. At the same time, the Arabs Islamised the country.
Summary of Chapters
A. Introduction: This chapter introduces the historical significance of Azerbaijan as an oil supplier and establishes the core conflict between the EU's energy security needs and the country's controversial human rights record.
B. Main part: This section provides a detailed analysis of Azerbaijan's history, economic structure, and political landscape, followed by an evaluation of the bilateral cooperation with the European Union, specifically regarding energy partnerships and institutional relations.
C. Conclusion: The author summarizes the findings, emphasizing that despite the economic boom driven by oil and gas, the country remains an authoritarian regime, raising ethical questions about the EU's foreign policy priorities.
D. Annex: This section supplements the analysis with specific case studies and documentation regarding the persecution of journalists and political figures in Azerbaijan.
Keywords
Azerbaijan, European Union, Energy Security, Nagorno-Karabakh, Oil and Gas, Human Rights, Foreign Policy, Geopolitics, Democracy, Authoritarianism, Economy, Pipeline, Tanap, Political Prisoners, Cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper explores the tensions between the European Union's economic interests, specifically energy security, and its stated democratic values in the context of its relationship with Azerbaijan.
Which central themes are addressed?
The core themes include the historical development of Azerbaijan, its reliance on the energy sector, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the diplomatic interactions between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe.
What is the central research question?
The central question is how Azerbaijan became one of the EU's major energy suppliers despite significant governance concerns, and whether oil and gas interests take precedence over European values.
Which scientific approach is used?
The author uses a historical and political analysis, incorporating secondary literature, economic data, and reports from international organizations and human rights groups.
What does the main body cover?
It provides an overview of the nation's history, the structure of its economy, internal political developments, and the framework of the energy partnership with Europe.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Energy Security, Human Rights, Geopolitics, Azerbaijan, European Union, and Authoritarianism.
How does the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict affect the partnership?
The conflict serves as a major destabilizing factor in the region, complicating the EU's foreign policy and its role as a neutral actor in the South Caucasus.
What is the significance of the "Tanap" project?
Tanap is a crucial piece of infrastructure that allows natural gas from the Caspian Basin to be transported to Europe, bypassing Russia and enhancing the EU's energy supply options.
How does the author evaluate the democratic situation in Azerbaijan?
The author classifies Azerbaijan as an authoritarian regime, citing restricted press freedom, the presence of political prisoners, and systemic election irregularities.
What is the concluding assessment regarding the EU's role?
The conclusion suggests that the EU has prioritized energy security, often ignoring or downplaying democratic deficits within the Azerbaijani government.
- Quote paper
- Anke Wiards (Author), 2021, Azerbaijan and the EU. Are Azerbaijan's oil and gas more important than European values?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1167780
