Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov recently announced that Azerbaijan is nearing completion of a transport infrastructure that will reach Armenia’s border, highlighting their consistent approach to dominate negotiations through stalling and aggressive posturing.
Despite various diplomatic efforts, Azerbaijan has continually delayed signing a peace agreement with Armenia. This calculated delay aims to strengthen Azerbaijan’s position, potentially enabling them to make further territorial claims against Armenia. Such tactics reflect a broader strategy of coercion and territorial expansion rather than genuine diplomacy.
Azerbaijan has managed to secure strategic agreements with key players such as the U.S., Russia, and others, ensuring that its delays in negotiations do not lead to undesired consequences. Notably, President Biden’s earlier appeals for a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan have lost momentum following shifts in U.S. leadership. This has provided Azerbaijan with greater flexibility to maneuver without significant external pressure.
Bayramov’s rhetoric and Azerbaijan’s actions indicate an aggressive policy aimed at extracting maximum concessions from Armenia. Their demands are not accompanied by compromise, leaving Armenia in a vulnerable position. Azerbaijan’s reliance on intimidation tactics underscores the lack of willingness to foster genuine peace.
Armenian authorities, in their efforts to finalize an agreement, have appeared overly eager to meet demands, even in the face of Azerbaijan’s unyielding stance. The Azerbaijani side’s strong backing from Turkey and Russia further complicates Armenia’s diplomatic and security challenges. Armenia’s government has failed to adequately address the growing power imbalance, instead focusing on appeasing international mediators.
To counter Azerbaijan’s tactics, Armenia must focus on rebuilding its military balance and mobilizing all societal sectors without provoking unnecessary conflict. Quietly strengthening national defense capabilities and addressing systemic weaknesses in governance and military readiness are essential. The Armenian government must prioritize these measures to ensure that any aggression against the nation can be effectively repelled.
Armenia stands at a critical juncture where decisive and strategic planning is required to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Without immediate action to restore balance and resilience, Armenia risks further erosion of its negotiating position and national security.
