Azerbaijan’s 27 September: Five years after the patriotic war

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the start of the 44-day Patriotic War, a decisive moment in the modern history of the South Caucasus. This day marks the beginning of Azerbaijan’s restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty over its internationally recognized territories, paving the way for the implementation of the four UN Security Council Resolutions adopted in 1993 and bringing an end to the thirty-year conflict with Armenia. This war and its decisive outcome played a crucial and transformative role in the development of a new security architecture in the South Caucasus, offering millions of people a reason to believe in the realization of long-awaited peace and justice.

For almost three decades after the ceasefire of the 1990s, negotiations were underway under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group, aimed at peacefully resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and achieving the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from occupied Azerbaijani territories. However, multiple meetings and proposals by mediators did not lead to tangible outcomes; the occupation continued, international resolutions remained unimplemented and occasional armed incidents initiated by Armenia undermined trust and the entire negotiation process between the two sides. Against the backdrop of this uncertainty, another act of aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan occurred in the autumn of 2020, resulting in a severe escalation of the situation that quickly reached a ‘point of no return’, necessitating decisive actions to defend the population and restore justice. In response to this aggression, Azerbaijani authorities, led by President Ilham Aliyev, pursued strategically calculated, decisive actions, resulting in the Azerbaijani Armed Forces demonstrating a high level of readiness and the ability to conduct the operation with the highest professionalism.

When the escalation took place, Azerbaijan was in a state of full preparedness, a factor which turned out to be decisive in the outcome of the war. The foundation for this success was the purposeful policy of President Ilham Aliyev, who succeeded in developing a strong nation with a real spirit and building a modern, highly technologically developed military capable of acting effectively under any conditions. The professionalism and heroism of Azerbaijani soldiers, as well as the military’s modern technical equipment, played a crucial role. That said, the decisive factor in the victory was the nation’s inner strength, its national spirit, the psychological readiness of society and the armed forces. “Today's Azerbaijan is the most powerful Azerbaijan in all of history, and never in its centuries-old history has Azerbaijan been as strong as it is today. The main factor in carrying out our preparatory work was the unity of the people and the government.” – said Presindent İlham Aliyev while speaking about the outcomes of the Second Karabakh War.

These factors united citizens, boosted soldiers’ morale, and reinforced their confidence in the righteousness of their cause. Historical experience clearly demonstrates that no military, even the most powerful, can achieve a decisive victory without moral superiority and a deep level of national consciousness. The fact that not a single soldier or citizen refused to fulfil their duties or deserted during the war reflects a high level of discipline, a deep commitment to the homeland and strong societal cohesion within the country. It is this combination of spirit and calculated military preparation that formed the basis of Azerbaijan’s success in this extremely complex endeavour.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces were able to operate in highly challenging mountainous regions, made possible by the employment of a comprehensive approach that combined precision weapons, drone technology and carefully devised planning. The courage and professionalism of the soldiers, their ability to adapt swiftly on the battleground and the interoperability of various branches of the military were among the decisive factors behind the victory. After several weeks of military operations, Azerbaijan achieved vital strategic objectives, culminating in the signing of the Trilateral Statement on November 10, 2020, which led to a total ceasefire and the return of a significant portion of the occupied territories to Azerbaijan. This victory restored justice for almost a million Azerbaijanis, expelled from their homes in the early 1990s, and consolidated key international legal principles, most notably the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

27 September 2020 marked the beginning of a new period for the region, full of opportunities for economic and social development as well as joint infrastructure projects, all of which were previously considered unattainable. Azerbaijan immediately initiated the complex process of reconstructing the liberated territories: roads are being built, cities and villages are being restored, and conditions are being created for the return of internally displaced persons. In parallel, efforts to unblock regional transportation corridors have been activated. These are crucial in developing the interconnectivity of the South Caucasus with neighbouring countries and increasing the interest of international investors in new logistical routes.

Moreover, Azerbaijan’s victory has permanently changed the nature of geopolitical dynamics in the region. By independently restoring its sovereignty, made possible by its comprehensive and multi-faceted national development, Azerbaijan has orchestrated a new period whereby local countries are the ones driving the regional agenda. For too long, either external interference or the self-serving policies of powerful neighbouring states contributed to the undermining of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, resulting in the prolongation of the conflict. Azerbaijan’s actions, however, have set the stage for a South Caucasus driven by mutually beneficial cooperation as opposed to geopolitical and territorial ambitions.

These initiatives not only contribute to the development of the national economy but also create a resilient foundation for lasting peace and sustainable cooperation among the region’s countries. The restoration and opening of vital transport corridors, such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor “East-West,” which connects Europe with Asia, is particularly significant given its role in strengthening the region’s logistical connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for international trade. Within this strategic framework, the Zangezur Corridor is regarded as the pivotal segment of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. By establishing a direct land link between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave, it not only secures an essential route bridging the Caspian and Mediterranean regions but also reinforces both east-west and north-south transport networks. The corridor’s integration is expected to accelerate regional economic convergence, enhance Europe–Asia connectivity, and contribute to the stability and diversification of global supply chains. The ongoing development of infrastructure and the implementation of key economic projects clearly demonstrate that the 2020 victory was not an end, but rather the beginning of a new and promising chapter for the South Caucasus, marked by sustainable development, deeper regional integration, and the consolidation of economic ties.

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