3. C6+1 from the Azerbaijani Perspective: National Interests and Pragmatism
Shifting the perspective to Azerbaijan reveals three main factors shaping the strategic equation. Foremost among these is the Baku administration's multi-vector foreign policy strategy, which prioritizes maintaining a balance between global powers. Following its separation from the Soviet Union, the Republic of Azerbaijan implemented a multi-vector foreign policy aimed at cultivating balanced and diverse ties with various international powers. This diplomatic strategy proved essential for safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, securing economic investments, and maintaining national security, especially considering the significant challenge posed by Armenia's three-decade-long occupation of approximately 20% of Azerbaijani territory.[1] In this context, the C6+1 formation is an important factor for Azerbaijan to counterbalance the presence of Russia, China, and Iran in the region.
The second cornerstone of the analysis is constituted by Azerbaijan's strategy of proactive engagement in regional dynamics. Baku emphasizes that regional policymaking should not relegate it to the periphery (C5+1) but rather ensure its direct inclusion (C6+1). Crucial to this context is the fact that Azerbaijan operates with the diplomatic clout acquired during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the geopolitical confidence bolstered by the victory in the Second Karabakh War. With this enhanced stature, Baku seeks to position itself as a game-changer rather than a mere attendee. This posture also reflects a preference for prioritizing strategic autonomy and local agency over policies dictated from the outside in its relations with Washington.
The third pillar of the analysis constitutes Azerbaijan's strategy to bolster its economic capacity and diversify its trade volume. To this end, the Baku administration has adopted the attraction of U.S.-origin Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) as a priority policy. The most strategic dimension of this economic engagement involves the subsurface resources in the liberated Karabakh region. The region’s rich reserves of critical minerals and metals position the U.S. as a potential buyer and strategic partner due to their significance in global supply chains. Consequently, Azerbaijan positions the U.S. market as a critical target destination for the export of these resources.
[1] "Azerbaijan's Multi-vector Foreign Policy as a Key Pillar of Sovereignty, Stability and Strategic Development," EU Reporter, May 12, 2025, https://www.eureporter.co/world/azerbaijan-world/2025/05/12/azerbaijans-multi-vector-foreign-policy-as-a-key-pillar-of-sovereignty-stability-and-strategic-development/.