Does Advocacy Matter in Dealing with Authoritarian Regimes?

Author(s): Arzu Geybullayeva
Editor(s): Denis Dafflon, Lili Di Puppo, Iris Kempe, Natia Mestvirishvili, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines
Series: Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD)
Issue: 70
Pages: 9-13
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, George Washington University
Publication Year: 2015

Azerbaijan's leadership is growing in power and influence. So far it has managed to attract support from many European and American politicians through its skilled 'caviar diplomacy.' At the same time, advocates for more transparency, democracy and freedom in Azerbaijan face harsh crackdowns. Many of the country's well-known activists, rights defenders and journalists are currently in jail. In fact, foreign analysts described the repressions of 2014 as 'unprecedented.' International rights advocates played a tremendous role in telling the stories of those who have been unlawfully silenced in Azerbaijan. However, these criticisms are not enough to hold the political leadership accountable for its actions. A consolidated effort by governments, rights institutions, media and international organizations is needed to trigger change.

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