The European Union in Azerbaijan: Democracy Promoter or Energy Dependent?

Lauren BRIDGES

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The research question of this thesis is as follows: Is the European Union ignoring the authoritarian nature of Azerbaijani politics in order to secure access to energy? This study will help to reach an in-depth understanding of the role of the European Union in Azerbaijan and how the EU's desire for energy security may be clouding its ability to be a global force for democracy promotion. The nation of Azerbaijan is the focus of this case study, as it has abandoned its communist history and been on the path of democratization for over 20 years. Moreover, Azerbaijan is the only Eastern Partnership country with significant oil reserves, which places Azerbaijan in a position of significant leverage towards the EU. This study uses secondary data analysis to understand the role of the EU in Azerbaijan, including news reports, academic analyses, and reports from non-governmental organizations and think tanks.

Abstract:

The research question of this thesis is as follows: Is the European Union ignoring the authoritarian nature of Azerbaijani politics in order to secure access to energy? This study will help to reach an in-depth understanding of the role of the European Union in Azerbaijan and how the EU's desire for energy security may be clouding its ability to be a global force for democracy promotion. The nation of Azerbaijan is the focus of this case study, as it has abandoned its communist history and been on the path of democratization for over 20 years. Moreover, Azerbaijan is the only Eastern Partnership country with significant oil reserves, which places Azerbaijan in a position of significant leverage towards the EU. This study uses secondary data analysis to understand the role of the EU in Azerbaijan, including news reports, academic analyses, and reports from non-governmental organizations and think tanks.

Keywords

European Union, Azerbaijan, Democracy, Eastern Partnership, Energy Security

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 7. 6. 2016

Zverejniť od: 7. 6. 2016

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedúci: Mgr. Markéta Žídková

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY OLOMOUC

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / odbor:
Human Studies / Euroculture