Publication

As Azerbaijan celebrates its 20th anniversary of independence, democratic development remains a key challenge facing the country. This article focuses on the obstacles to political change in Azerbaijan, highlighting the deficit of trust the public feels with respect to public institutions, with the notable exception of the presidency, and the ensuing problems this creates in the establishment of effective local government and civil society institutions. In light of this it addresses how the transatlantic community could assist Azerbaijan in building more credible and therefore trusted institutions, as a necessary precursor and precondition for political reform in the country.