AZE.US As diplomatic contacts between Baku and Yerevan continue and talk of a formal peace agreement resurfaces, a more practical question is emerging: are the societies themselves ready for economic normalization? Recent street interviews in Baku suggest the answer is complicated. When asked whether they would buy or sell Armenian-made products, market vendors and customers … Read more
AZE.US When Russian forces crossed into Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin appeared to expect a rapid collapse of Kyiv. Western intelligence assessments at the time suggested Moscow envisioned a swift decapitation of the Ukrainian leadership and the installation of a compliant government. The campaign was widely described as a matter of days, not years. … Read more
AZE.US Baku’s housing market continues to defy basic demand logic. Even as transaction volumes slow and affordability declines, asking prices remain elevated – and in some districts, continue to rise. Market analysts say one factor behind this phenomenon is the role of intermediaries. While broader drivers such as urbanization, mortgage lending and investment demand shape … Read more
AZE.US Foreign citizens have significantly increased their activity in Azerbaijan’s real estate market over the past five years, according to official data released by the State Service for Property Issues. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 6,182 foreign nationals from 57 countries purchased 6,913 real estate properties across Azerbaijan. The figures indicate steady external … Read more
AZE.US The sentencing of Ruben Vardanyan has added a new layer of strain to already complicated relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, prompting debate in Baku over whether the case could become a geopolitical lever. Vardanyan, a Russian-Armenian businessman who moved to Karabakh in 2022 and briefly held a senior position in the now-dissolved separatist administration, … Read more
AZE.US Imported Mongolian beef is gaining ground in Azerbaijan’s retail market due to lower prices, raising questions about production costs, logistics and competitive pressure on local farmers. Imported beef from Mongolia is increasingly undercutting local prices in Azerbaijan, with retailers citing differences of up to 40–50% compared to domestically sourced meat. Traders say the main … Read more
AZE.US Differences between contractually advertised and officially registered apartment sizes are prompting legal concerns among buyers in Azerbaijan, highlighting the importance of measurement standards and due diligence in property transactions. Apartment buyers in Azerbaijan are increasingly reporting discrepancies between the floor area stated in sales agreements and the size reflected in official property registration documents. … Read more
AZE.US The United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East while continuing indirect talks with Iran, underscoring the fragile balance between diplomacy and deterrence in one of the world’s most volatile regions. U.S. officials say the buildup is designed to reinforce deterrence and protect American personnel and allies. However, analysts warn that … Read more
AZE.US The rapid expansion of electric scooters in Baku is raising new safety concerns as accident numbers increase, particularly among underage riders. Originally promoted as a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for short urban trips, e-scooters have become a common sight across the capital. However, officials and transportation experts warn that enforcement gaps and weak oversight … Read more
AZE.US Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus has been steadily eroding, according to Azerbaijani economist and political analyst Natig Jafarli, who argues that recent developments are not isolated incidents but part of a broader geopolitical realignment. In a recent commentary, Jafarli said the visible tensions and diplomatic frictions represent consequences rather than root causes. “The … Read more