Baku: The theses from the President’s speech are in fact both a formula for Azerbaijan’s activities and a call to the world “to preserve moral legitimacy alongside strength”, an ideological manifesto of foreign policy and security.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, President Ilham Aliyev has outlined a comprehensive security formula termed “Ethical Realpolitik,” which combines military and economic power with adherence to international law and ethical values. This formula serves as a guide for Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and a call for global leaders to integrate moral legitimacy with strength. The principles include building military and economic power, adhering to international law, committing to universal human values, prioritizing allies, and achieving a balance of global forces.
The 21st century has transitioned from a challenging first quarter to an even more turbulent second quarter, marked by economic crises and geopolitical tensions. Economic downturns in 2009 and 2020 and trade wars have created an era of open confrontations over resources and trade routes. President Aliyev described the current global landscape as one where international law is virtually non-existent, emphasizing the need for leaders to act ethically and avoid territorial encroachments.
Aliyev’s assessment presents a strategic action plan for small and medium powers in a world where traditional international laws have collapsed. His concept of “Ethical Realpolitik” merges international law with human values and pragmatic principles, forming a new approach to modern challenges. This approach synthesizes military-economic power with ethical honesty and strategic patience, moving away from the cold pragmatism of past centuries.
Aliyev’s platform insists on adhering to ethical values and international norms, even when force is used for self-defense. This idea challenges the historical “Realpolitik” that often ignored ethical considerations in favor of effectiveness. Aliyev’s call to harmonize ethical values with international law aims to prevent the crisis of international law from becoming a crisis of universal human values.
In today’s legal chaos, Aliyev urges leaders to maintain moral values alongside national interests, balance of power, and pragmatic adaptability. His approach counters the historical trend where leaders who ignored ethics faced eventual repercussions. He cites examples from history where cruel policies led to downfall, reinforcing that cruelty is not an effective solution in modern political problems.
Azerbaijan’s recent military operations, including the 44-day war and the 2023 anti-terrorist operation, exemplify the practice of “Ethical Realpolitik.” The Azerbaijani military’s adherence to ethical standards, even in conflict, contrasts sharply with Armenia’s approach, which lacked moral legitimacy. Azerbaijan’s success in these operations underscores the effectiveness of combining Realpolitik with ethical values.
Aliyev’s strategy involves strengthening defense capabilities, adhering to international law, and building alliances with countries like Turkey and Pakistan. The C6 platform, which includes Central Asian states, aims to create a unified political-economic and security space. Azerbaijan’s diversified foreign policy includes strategic partnerships with the USA, EU, and China, ensuring a balanced global stance.
In conclusion, President Ilham Aliyev’s “Ethical Realpolitik” calls for a pragmatic yet ethical approach to modern geopolitical challenges, emphasizing that universal human values are now an indispensable part of Realpolitik.