The dissolution of the Soviet Union into independent states was among the most momentous political phenomena of the twentieth century. This book provides the first comprehensive study of Azerbaijan's post-independence foreign policy in relation to its much stronger neighbours - Russia, Turkey and Iran - and the role that the West brought to bear in helping Azerbaijan to counterbalance the influence of Russia. Complex and subtle diplomatic negotiations enabled the exploitation of Azerbaijan's substantial oil and gas resources and the implementation of transit projects that Azerbaijan's leadership considered critical - the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline bypassing Russia being one example. The case of Azerbaijan demonstrates how in the post-Cold War order a small state has been able to advance its interests internationally even when they contradicted those of the hegemon. The book includes a wealth of new sources and extensive interviews with national policymakers and experts.
- ISBN10 0857720988
- ISBN13 9780857720986
- Publish Date 30 November 2011 (first published 11 November 2011)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Imprint I.B. Tauris
- Format eBook
- Pages 336
- Language English
- URL http://bloomsbury.com/