How our capital became the capital of the South Caucasus...
For many years, even since the nineteenth century, when the South Caucasus was mentioned, Tbilisi was primarily recalled as a political and diplomatic center. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Western institutions, international organizations, and donor structures viewed the region specifically through Tbilisi.
Georgia was considered the showcase country of the “Eastern Partnership”, and Tbilisi was the main meeting platform for European and US ambassadors. Baku, however, was largely perceived as an energy producer and transit country. Regional leadership ambitions were not accepted. And, of course, the religious factor also played a role here.
This approach fundamentally changed after 2020. The 44-day Patriotic War redrew the political, military, and diplomatic map of the South Caucasus. The war not only concluded with the liberation of occupied territories but also clearly demonstrated who the center of power in the region was. Since that date, Baku has been the address where key decisions are made and processes are directed in the South Caucasus.
Today, neither Tbilisi nor Yerevan can be considered a real rival to Baku. The main reason for this is the leadership factor. The personal political weight of the President of Azerbaijan, his recognition on international platforms, and his results-oriented policy are among the key factors transforming Baku into a regional center. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of meetings held by the Azerbaijani leader with the European Union, NATO member countries, Central Asian states, the Middle East, and Africa is many times greater than the total diplomatic activity of the leaders of Georgia and Armenia.
Currently, the main focus in the US Vice President's visit planning to the region is directed towards Baku. For Washington, stability, energy security, and transport corridors in the region are not established via Tbilisi. This plane is now Baku. Strategists perceive this as a strategic shift.
From a diplomatic perspective, Baku is currently the main meeting platform of the South Caucasus. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of international events held in the Azerbaijani capital exceeded 100. The Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, the awarding of COP29 to Baku, and the informal contacts of the European Political Community demonstrate Baku's acceptance as a diplomatic center. Tbilisi, however, has been experiencing serious problems in its relations with the European Union in recent years,.
From a media perspective, Baku has also become the main information center of the region. The main bureaus of international media organizations for the South Caucasus are practically focused on Baku. Since 2020, the majority of major reports concerning the region by organizations such as “Reuters”, “AFP”, “BBC”, and “Al Jazeera” have been prepared from Baku. The opening of Euronews' Baku office last year is also an example of this.
Armenia, however, primarily comes to the fore with news of humanitarian and internal political crises.
From the perspective of military power, the difference is more apparent. Since 2020, the Azerbaijani army has been recognized as an army approaching NATO standards and possessing real combat experience. Military cooperation with Turkey, Israel, and Pakistan has transformed Baku into the region's sole real center of power. The Georgian army has experienced stagnation in its modernization process for many years, while Armenia is almost not a regional factor militarily. Naturally, the current situation does not make Baku complacent; it continues to develop in this direction.
Economic indicators also confirm Baku's superiority. In 2023, Azerbaijan's GDP approached 78 billion dollars. Georgia's GDP is below 30 billion dollars, and Armenia's is close to 25 billion dollars. Baku has become an investment center on a regional scale. The Baku International Sea Trade Port, the Alat Free Economic Zone, and the prospect of the Zangazur corridor link the region's economic future to Baku.
In a political sense, Azerbaijan is a decision-making country. Baku is an actor changing the status quo in the region. Tbilisi, however, has demonstrated indecisiveness and imbalance in recent years. The Georgian government's stance on Russia causes serious concern in the West. Europe and the US do not view Georgia as a reliable partner.
From a regional perspective, Baku has become the main bridge between Central Asia and the Black Sea, and between Europe and Asia. The Trans-Caspian route, the Middle Corridor, and the BTK railway operate with Baku as their center. In these projects, Tbilisi plays a technical role, while political leadership is in Baku's hands. The Zangazur corridor, in turn, will transform Baku into one of the world's leading countries in terms of railways.
In the cultural and sports spheres, Baku has also strengthened its status as a regional capital. Events such as the European Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, and Formula 1 Grand Prix are held in Baku. These events are tools of soft power.
Europe's approach has also changed. The European Union considers Azerbaijan a key partner in terms of energy security. The energy memorandum signed in 2022 envisages doubling Azerbaijan's gas exports to Europe. Georgia plays a transit role in this process.
America's approach is similar. Washington recognizes Azerbaijan's power in the region. Armenia is in a dependent position in terms of security, while Georgia is losing its strategic reliability.
At the energy security table, Baku is the heart of the region. Projects such as TANAP, TAP, and BTC have changed Europe's energy map. Baku owns each of these projects.
Regarding infrastructure, Baku has invested billions of dollars over the last 20 years. New ports, airports, highways, and logistics centers carry the main burden of the region.
When considering human resources, Azerbaijan possesses the region's youngest, most mobile, and most educated talent pool. Through state programs, thousands of young people have studied in Europe and the US and returned. Modern Azerbaijani youth are distinguished by their flexibility, knowledge, education, and diligence.
After all this, we can assert that Azerbaijan's primacy is not regionally limited. It is a state that has established its primacy at a global level. Baku has become the capital of the South Caucasus, and this status is confirmed by facts.
