The CNIS held its next in the series of “Azerbaijan Democratic Republic ( 1918-1920)  Round Tables” conference on the 8th of February in Baku. The round table was devoted to the political parties and elections and their characteristics in the oil rich post-Soviet states. Development of the democratic institutions in the post-Soviet oil rich states of the Caspian region faces additional to the common soviet legacies structural obstacles. These characteristics include first of all ruling elite’s monopoly over oil and gas resources, which in the absence of the real mechanisms of the public...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

The EU policy in the region from the Mediterranean to the Baltic, from the Caspian to the Black Sea and the realities of the region was the topic of the workshop on “The EU approach towards the Caspian: soft power or realpolitik?”, held by the Center for National and International Studies at the Hyatt Regency on September 7, 2011. The objectives of the conference were to consider the EU's role within the Caspian region and get local feedback from those living and working in the region as to the state of play of subregional cooperation in Europe's outermost Sea. Local stakeholders and representatives...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The government is aware of the growing discontent, particularly socio-economic grievances, official corruption, and lawlessness, but is unable to address them or make any substantial improvements...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms "The high-ranking officials of the detention center administer torture under the 'No to Torture!' slogans posted on the walls by the Ombudsman”, wrote political prisoner Ulvi Hasanli. Hasanli revealed shocking facts about the torture in Azerbaijani prisons. Currently jailed, journalist Ulvi Hasanli is the head of AbzasMedia....


 QuickView | Read Full Article

FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Corruption remains a major challenge for firms operating in Azerbaijan and a small group of government-connected holding companies dominates the economy...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Former diplomat Emin Ibrahimov was reportedly tortured with an electric shock device while in detention at the police station. Ibrahimov was detained on the evening of July 22. His lawyer, Agil Layij, informed "Azadlıq Radiosu" that an unknown person attacked Ibrahimov near the Khalklar Dostlugu metro station. Subsequently, he was detained by plainclothes officers...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Azerbaijan is a monarchy with an electoral system...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Adil Baba, a member of the Popular Front Party (AXCP), tragically succumbed to the relentless police and administrative persecution, pressures, and threats, ultimately taking his own life. Like many others in the Party, Adil was constantly targeted. Recently, he received compensation from the government following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights regarding previous persecutions. Reports indicate that he and his family faced regular threats reminiscent...


 QuickView | Read Full Article