We present an interview with Mr. Farid SHAFIYEV, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), a leading organization studying geopolitical processes in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Mr. Shafiyev discussed AIR Center’s plans to expand its vital research work, including strengthening international cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), to ensure regional stability and prosperity in an era of emerging threats.
– Tell us about the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). Which projects and initiatives of the Centre do you consider the most significant?
– The Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) is a think tank established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on February 6, 2019. The primary mission of the Center is to analyze key international processes, prepare reports, and conduct in-depth studies on issues concerning Azerbaijan. The Center actively examines security issues in the South Caucasus and contributes to their discussion in international academic and expert circles.
Among AIR Center’s most significant initiatives are the organization of roundtables, conferences, and seminars, as well as conducting analytical research on pressing international issues. The Center actively collaborates with foreign analytical institutions, educational institutions, and international organizations, facilitating knowledge exchange and the formation of an expert community. Internship and scholarship programs play an essential role, providing opportunities for young specialists to conduct research and grow professionally.
– What are the current security threats facing countries that are members of the OTS? How effective are the existing cooperation mechanisms in the security sphere?
– As is well known, countries which are members of the Organization of Turkic States are united by the goal of comprehensive cooperation among Turkic nations. The main objectives uniting the member states include developing common positions on foreign policy issues, coordinating actions in combating international terrorism, separatism, extremism, and transnational crime, strengthening regional and bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, developing trade and investment cooperation, and expanding interactions in science, technology, education, and culture.
The security threats faced by the OTS countries include geopolitical instability, economic and social challenges, and internal and external tensions. The primary security threats include acts of terrorism and extremism, hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and information warfare, interethnic and territorial conflicts, geopolitical competition, as well as threats to economic security and energy dependence.
Regarding terrorism and extremism, the geographical location of OTS member states forces them to remain vigilant due to the activities of radical groups in neighboring regions. Hybrid warfare, which includes cyberattacks, information manipulation, economic pressure, and interference in domestic affairs, has become increasingly relevant. Cyberattacks and manipulation of public opinion via social media pose serious risks, particularly in politically sensitive countries. Unresolved territorial conflicts, internal ethnic or political disagreements, and geopolitical competition also contribute to regional instability.
Cooperation mechanisms within OTS include joint military exercises and intelligence sharing to enhance the compatibility of armed forces and their responsiveness to security threats. Counterterrorism measures involve legal initiatives, information exchange, and joint operations. Political and diplomatic cooperation aims to strengthen regional stability and conflict resolution, while economic and energy security cooperation covers energy projects, infrastructure, trade, and investment. Expanding partnerships and attracting new participants is also crucial for strengthening security cooperation.
Although these mechanisms have led to significant achievements, further political consolidation and improved threat-response mechanisms are necessary to enhance security cooperation.
– What is the role of OTS countries in ensuring regional security? Are there any differences in their respective approaches?
– The OTS’s role in regional security is growing through enhanced defense cooperation, joint exercises, crisis coordination, and cybersecurity initiatives. Despite not being a military-political alliance, the organization focuses on three main security cooperation areas:
● Military-technical cooperation
● Joint military exercises and experience exchange
● Counterterrorism and extremism prevention.
For instance, Azerbaijan and Turkey have established military cooperation agreements, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are developing their defense industries, and joint exercises such as «TurAz Qartalı» (between Turkey and Azerbaijan) are regularly held under the OTS framework. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also cooperate on border security and counterterrorism, while OTS members share intelligence on terrorist threats.
Differences in approaches exist: Azerbaijan and Turkey advocate for turning OTS into a strategic bloc with expanded military cooperation, while Kazakhstan maintains a balanced approach between Russia, China, and the West, emphasizing diplomacy. Uzbekistan prioritizes economic security and internal stability, whereas Kyrgyzstan participates less actively in military initiatives.
While OTS is not yet a military-political bloc, growing security cooperation could enhance the organization’s regional influence.
– Azerbaijan demonstrated high-level effectiveness in the liberation operation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and in the process of restoring liberated territories, the defence of infrastructure and in ensuring the safety of the civil population. How can this experience help other OTS countries in strengthening their defence capabilities and security?
– Azerbaijan showcased high military competence during the 2020 Second Karabakh War and subsequent 2023 counter-terrorism operations. This experience can benefit OTS countries in strengthening their defense capabilities, critical infrastructure protection, and overall security.
Key aspects of Azerbaijan’s military success include the use of modern warfare technologies, particularly UAVs such as Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Israeli kamikaze drones (Harop, Orbiter), effective network-centric warfare, and real-time coordinated strikes. Additionally, military modernization and tactics, along with critical infrastructure protection, all played a crucial role. Azerbaijan reformed its armed forces, enhancing mobility and combat effectiveness, and established specialized mobile units capable of operating in mountainous terrain.
Following the liberation of occupied territories, Azerbaijan has been actively demining and restoring key infrastructure. Smart cities and villages with advanced security systems are being developed, alongside enhanced border protection and digital surveillance technologies.
Azerbaijan’s experience in UAV operations, counter-terrorism drills, cybersecurity, and strategic infrastructure protection can be valuable for OTS countries. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan could benefit from joint military exercises, technology exchanges, and strategic partnerships to enhance their security and stability.
– How does Azerbaijan’s initiative to grant students from OTS countries access to military exercise facilities help strengthen the defence capabilities of the entire region?
18/08/2025 
Leave a Reply