The country demonstrates strong indicators of internal stability while at the same time emerging as a focal point for global peace initiatives. At a moment when political research and international media increasingly point to a general decline in global peace, Azerbaijan positions itself as a leading state offering a new model of stability and, in effect, a rare source of optimism for peace. Crucially, this perception is not self-declared but is increasingly shared internationally. This analysis examines Azerbaijan’s unique role in today’s geopolitics, substantiating this position through statistical data, expert assessments, diplomatic achievements, and related indicators.

The Caspian Post republishes the article

Quantifying global peacefulness: 2025 and Azerbaijan’s breakthrough

An objective assessment of a state’s role in sustaining peace begins with the statistical indicators produced by leading international analytical centers. In 2025, Azerbaijan drew global attention due to an unprecedented advance across key security indices, marking a notable shift in how the country is positioned within international assessments of peace and stability.

The Global Peace Index (GPI) is widely regarded as the most authoritative tool for assessing levels of safety and peacefulness across 163 independent states, covering 99.7 percent of the world’s population.1 In its 2025 report, Azerbaijan was officially identified as the country that recorded the largest improvement in peacefulness indicators worldwide.2

The 2025 GPI data highlight several key shifts:

● An improvement of 0.123 points in the overall index score2

● A rise of 17 positions in the global ranking, moving from 113th to 95th place3

● A 100 percent reduction in fatalities linked to both internal and external conflicts2

This statistical surge occurred at a time when the average level of global peace declined by 0.36 percent and conditions deteriorated further in 94 countries.4 Against this broader negative trend, Azerbaijan emerged as the clear leader among the 66 states that recorded improvements in peace.4

The analysis indicates that Azerbaijan’s success did not end with military victory but has extended into the systematic consolidation of political stability. The complete elimination of conflict-related fatalities places Azerbaijan in a unique position against the backdrop of 59 active conflicts recorded worldwide.1

Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025: a benchmark of security

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), confirmed Azerbaijan’s status as one of the safest countries in the world.6

On a ten-point scale, where 0 indicates the absence of any terrorist impact, Azerbaijan scored 0.233, placing it 90th among 163 countries. During the reporting period, not a single terrorist attack, fatality, injury, or hostage-taking incident was recorded in the country.8

The index is calculated using a weighted analytical methodology that takes into account incidents over the previous five years:

Here , the respective weight coefficients are assigned to incidents (1), fatalities (3), injuries (0.5), and hostages (0.5). Azerbaijan’s score of 0.233 is significantly lower than that of many leading global powers as well as its regional neighbors.

What sets Azerbaijan apart is its approach of promoting peace through cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Launched in 2008 by President Ilham Aliyev, the “Baku Process” has been recognized by the United Nations as a leading platform for intercultural dialogue.3

In its 2017 report, the UN Secretary-General described the Baku Process as a “leading initiative for promoting intercultural dialogue.” The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the process as a primary global mechanism for fostering dialogue among cultures.10

Key achievements of the Baku Process include:

• The 6th World Forum, held in May 2024, brought together representatives from over 110 countries.11

• To date, the forums have attracted nearly 10,000 participants from 180 countries and 30 international organizations.10

• At the 6th Forum, more than 100 religious leaders convened to discuss shared values of coexistence and strategies to combat hate.11

Leadership in Non-Aligned Movement: advocating for Global South

During its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 2019 to 2023, Azerbaijan played its most active role yet in addressing global challenges. Under its leadership, the movement, which unites 120 countries, was elevated to become the world’s second-largest political force after the United Nations.11

Notable outcomes of Azerbaijan’s initiatives within NAM include:

● The adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, supported by 179 countries.13

● The creation of a data platform to track the medical and humanitarian needs of NAM member states.15

● The allocation of $10 million in voluntary financial assistance to the World Health Organization to support the needs of NAM member countries.15

COP29: “Peace COP” and climate-peace nexus

The COP29 climate conference, held in Baku in November 2024, marked the next phase of Azerbaijan’s peace-oriented agenda. For the first time, the country officially introduced the concept of a “Peace COP.”17

On November 15, 2024, COP29 designated a “Day of Peace, Relief, and Recovery.” Azerbaijan introduced the “Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery,” a framework aimed at addressing challenges at the intersection of conflict, climate, and humanitarian needs.17 Within this initiative, the “Baku Climate and Peace Action Hub” was established to help prevent climate-related conflicts.17

International aid and humanitarian development (AIDA)

Azerbaijan has become an active donor country, promoting a global solidarity agenda through the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA).16

Key highlights of its humanitarian efforts include assistance to over 140 countries worldwide.16 During the pandemic, more than 80 countries received humanitarian and medical support, and 14 NAM member states were provided with a total of one million vaccine doses.13 Additionally, full scholarships have been offered to students from 83 countries to pursue higher education in Azerbaijan.16 The country’s annual official development assistance (ODA) amounts to approximately $50-60 million, with 100 percent of these funds provided as grants.16

Peace process with Armenia: from conflict to normalization

A central reason the international community recognizes Azerbaijan as a peace leader is its role in resolving the decades-long Karabakh conflict and moving toward direct peacebuilding with Armenia.

The negotiations have been conducted directly, without external mediation, yielding results that surpass those achieved over 30 years of OSCE Minsk Group facilitation.20

March 2025, the parties reached an agreement on the text of a peace treaty, which was initialed in Washington in August.21, 27

The TRIPP (Transregional Infrastructure and Peace Project) has the potential to attract up to $45 billion in investment to the region, creating new transport corridors between Asia and Europe.28

Peacekeeping missions and contributions to global security

For decades, Azerbaijani troops have helped maintain security in various parts of the world under the auspices of the UN and NATO. Since 1997, more than 3,000 Azerbaijani peacekeepers have participated in international operations.22

● Kosovo (1999-2008): Nearly 400 Azerbaijani troops participated in maintaining peace.22

● Iraq (2003-2008): Azerbaijani forces were responsible for securing the Haditha dam, the country’s main electricity source.22

● Afghanistan (2002-2021): The Azerbaijani contingent ensured the security of Kabul’s international airport and was among the last units involved in evacuation operations.22

● South Sudan (since 2019): Azerbaijani officers continue to serve in the UN mission, reinforcing the country’s status as a reliable partner.22

Azerbaijan’s role in contemporary geopolitics

Analyses indicate that Azerbaijan’s designation in modern research as a “singular reference point for peace” is no coincidence, but the outcome of a deliberate strategic approach. Azerbaijan stands out in global politics as one of the few countries that:

● Maintains alliances with major powers located at opposite ends of Eurasia;

● Engages in direct dialogue with all parties involved in Middle East settlements;

● Has independently restored its territorial integrity since World War II.

Although Azerbaijan emerged as the victorious party, it was the first to offer Armenia a peace treaty.22 The country seeks to ensure that the sounds of weapons no longer echo in the region, that transport routes are opened, and that economic development progresses. While many conflicts around the world continue, this initiative has been widely recognized as a model of peace.