AZE.US
The South Caucasus and Central Asia need a shared regional agenda, otherwise outside powers will be able to influence and slow down integration processes, political analyst Ahmad Alili said in an interview with Novosti Kavkaza.
Alili, author of the Telegram channel View from the Central Park, said regional integration is no longer just an attractive idea, but a geopolitical necessity.
According to him, expert communities increasingly understand that integration within the South Caucasus, within Central Asia, and between the two regions has become a geopolitical demand.
“Integration within the South Caucasus, integration within Central Asia, and integration between the South Caucasus and Central Asia is already a geopolitical order,” Alili said.
He warned that if the countries of the region fail to build their own shared concepts and narratives, external actors may use information campaigns and ideological tools to obstruct cooperation.
Alili said identity has now become part of security policy.
“Identity is already a security factor,” he said.
The analyst noted that Azerbaijan has a multi-layered identity, linking it to the South Caucasus, the Turkic world, Central Asia, the Middle East and the wider Caspian space.
In his view, the concept of the Greater Caspian can become an important additional layer of regional identity. It should not replace national, Turkic, European or Central Asian identities, but should help countries of the region better understand their common role.
Alili said Azerbaijan is not Central Asia, but it is part of the Greater Caspian space. He described this formula as a more accurate way to explain Azerbaijan’s position in the emerging regional architecture.
The analyst also said Baku has become one of the drivers of this process, but more practical work is needed.
According to him, Azerbaijan should increase contacts with Central Asian and South Caucasus platforms, strengthen expert dialogue and develop deeper knowledge of neighboring regions.
He said Azerbaijan needs more specialized expertise on Iran, Russia and Central Asia, because these directions are strategically important for the country’s future regional policy.
Alili added that the romantic phase of talking about regional integration is coming to an end.
“Romanticism is needed, but if it is not supported by pragmatism, it cannot lead to good results,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of think tanks and media. In his view, expert centers should generate new ideas and concepts, while media should help explain them to the public.
Alili said the region is only at the beginning of forming a common identity, but this work is becoming increasingly urgent as the South Caucasus and the Caspian region adapt to major geopolitical changes.
AZE.US