‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Energy and the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Relations with the European Union

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Qasem Osuli odlu 1
Ebrahim Rezaei Rad 2

1 Asian studies, eco college insurance, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of International Relations, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/ca.2026.2079982.1959
Abstract
Azerbaijan, by relying on the rich oil and gas resources of the Caspian Sea and projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, has been able to solidify its position as a key player in ensuring Europe's energy security. This policy not only has a foreign dimension but also acts as a tool for internal legitimization. Despite pressures from Russia and Turkey, as well as the developments related to the war in Ukraine, Baku has managed to create a pragmatic balance among the interests of various actors. The main question of the article is: how have energy resources (oil and gas) served as a strategic tool in securing and advancing the macro objectives of the Republic of Azerbaijan in its interaction with the European Union? The research hypothesis is that by adopting a realist approach and utilizing energy as both a lever of pressure and a tool for engagement, Azerbaijan has been able to both elevate its position within the Eurasian and European energy order and use it as an instrument to strengthen internal legitimacy. This article employs the theoretical framework of realism, a qualitative analysis research method, and utilizes secondary sources including scientific articles, reports from research centers, and statistical data up to the year 2025.

Keywords

Energy
Republic of Azerbaijan
European Union
Realism
Energy Security
‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal
Volume 32, Issue 134
Spring 2026
Pages 175-202

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