Azerbaijan's Bridging Role and Regional Security

On 3 March 2026, the Faculty of Political Sciences at Marmara University hosted a seminar within the framework of the CARSI Project, titled “From Europe to Central Asia: Connectivity Politics and Security Realities – Azerbaijan’s Bridging Role and Regional Security.” The event brought together scholars and experts to discuss the evolving geopolitical dynamics of connectivity, influence, and security across Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The seminar opened with Prof. Dr. Erhan Doğan (Marmara University, Faculty of Political Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Relations), who serves as the National Coordinator of the CARSI Project. In his opening remarks, Prof. Doğan highlighted the importance of academic dialogue in understanding the changing geopolitical landscape and the strategic significance of connectivity initiatives linking Europe and Central Asia.

The event featured presentations by researchers from the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University. Nargiz Azizova, Senior Research Fellow, delivered a presentation titled “3Bs (Brussels–Baku–Beijing): Connectivity, Influence, and Strategic Positioning,” examining Azerbaijan’s role within emerging geopolitical connectivity frameworks and the strategic interactions between European, regional, and global actors.

Inara Yagubova, Senior Research Fellow at ADA University, addressed “Security Issues and Military Cooperation in the Turkic World: Azerbaijan’s Perspective.” Her presentation explored the evolving security environment in the Turkic world and highlighted the role of regional cooperation and defence partnerships.

The final presentation was delivered by Nargiz Ismayilova, Head of Partnerships at ADA University’s Institute for Development and Diplomacy, who discussed “Leveraging of Small States while Transforming Global Order.” Her talk focused on how smaller states navigate shifting global power dynamics and strategically position themselves within changing geopolitical structures.