AZERBAIJAN'S "GRAND STRATEGY" MANEUVERS AND FOREIGN POLICY MODEL AS A "SMALL STATE"

The foreign policy model of Azerbaijan has been shaped within the framework of the “Small State Big Strategic Maneuvers” concept. This model aims to maximize the strategic maneuvering potential of a small state, maintain regional balance, and strengthen its functional role in the international arena. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is based on energy and transit diplomacy, conflict experience, and flexible balancing strategies. Energy and transit projects (BTC, TANAP, Southern Gas Corridor, Middle Corridor) enhance the country’s regional and global influence, strengthen its diplomatic position, and support economic development. In the post-conflict period, new transit routes position Azerbaijan as a regional integration initiator and balancing actor. Conflict experience has strengthened security priorities, increased diplomatic flexibility, and reinforced adherence to international law. The model carries both advantages (strategic maneuvering, diplomatic flexibility, energy-transit leverage) and risks (dependency, regional competition, infrastructure and security threats). Effective management minimizes these risks and consolidates Azerbaijan’s regional and global position. The article analyzes the conceptual foundations of Azerbaijan's foreign policy strategy, balancing mechanisms between great powers, functions of energy and transit diplomacy, post-conflict perspectives, conflict experience, and the advantages and risks of the model.