Economic And Geopolitical Importance Of The New Silk Road Initiative And Its Impact On Azerbaijan-Chinese Relations

Azerbaijan is at the crossroads between East and West. Its Geopolitical location is both its challenge and its major asset. This thesis analyses the general state of relations of Azerbaijan with its largest and geopolitically most important neighbors as well as with other International players in order to see how Azerbaijan is able to maintain a balanced approach in foreign policy, maneuvering politically between the clashing geopolitical interests and ambitions of the different states in the South Caucasus. In this thesis also mentioned about Azerbaijan Chinese Relations, and China’s role in the region. The economic growth of China leads its economy to supply goods not only via the sea and air trafficking, but also through the trans-Caspian way to Europe. In this regards, Within the New Silk Road Initiative Azerbaijan and China could accelerate some new bilateral and trade partnership. Furthermore, this new project not only makes Azerbaijan as a regional key factor in Caucasus but also in Trans Caspian area. And it would cause nations integration in whole region of this new project. Therefore, Azerbaijan could get its new role in this project to play an essential role on Global Trade as a transit country. Many scholars argued that, due to its choices to foreign policy and strong focus to effective development of its economy, Azerbaijan vies to maintain an independent course. And this thesis basically analyses Azerbaijan’s political, economic approaches to Global and Regional Powers as well as its views to China as a new Global actor in its region, and impacts of The New Silk way Project at Azerbaijan-China Relations.