Power Structure in the Republic of Azerbaijan

Published by: Korona News | July 2025

Original Language: Persian

English Translation by: Amin Kaedi Shadgan & AI Translation Assistant

۱٫ The Presidential Institution: Absolute Executive Power

At the top of the pyramid is the President, who wields sweeping powers—commander-in-chief of the armed forces, head of the executive branch, and the ultimate decision-maker in domestic and foreign policy. Since 2003, Ilham Aliyev has held this position, succeeding his father, Heydar Aliyev, a former KGB general and national leader.

Constitutional amendments have removed term limits and further consolidated the president’s authority. The vice presidency, introduced in 2016, is also filled by the president’s wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, adding to the family’s political dominance.

۲٫ The Military and Security Apparatus: Guardians of the Regime

While the armed forces are formally under the control of the president, the real guarantee of regime survival lies in the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Special State Protection Service (SSPS), and internal intelligence units. These agencies have been instrumental in suppressing dissent, monitoring opposition figures, and shaping the internal order.

The government has made considerable investments in modernizing military equipment, particularly in cooperation with Turkey and Israel. However, loyalty within the officer corps is considered far more important than professional merit.

۳٫ The Judiciary and Parliament: Tools of Legitimacy

The National Assembly (Milli Majlis) and the judiciary theoretically play roles in governance, but in practice, they serve as rubber-stamp institutions. Most members of parliament belong to or align with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party. The judiciary lacks independence and often acts in accordance with directives from the executive.

Judicial proceedings, especially against opposition leaders and independent journalists, are frequently politicized and opaque.

۴٫ Media, Civil Society, and Opposition: Controlled or Crushed

Azerbaijan’s civil society operates under severe restrictions. Independent NGOs are heavily regulated, and media outlets critical of the government face censorship, financial pressure, or outright bans. The internet is under surveillance, and social media activists are often targeted with cyberattacks or legal threats.

Opposition parties exist but function under intense pressure. Leaders are frequently imprisoned, exiled, or silenced, creating an atmosphere of fear and political apathy among the broader population.

۵٫ The Economy and the Patronage System

Azerbaijan’s oil and gas wealth has played a crucial role in consolidating the regime. Revenues from the energy sector are funneled into state-controlled enterprises or used to fund large infrastructure projects that boost the regime’s popularity. Corruption is widespread, but the state’s control over wealth distribution allows it to buy loyalty and suppress dissent.

State contracts, access to capital, and positions in government are often distributed based on loyalty to the Aliyev family, not merit or public service.

Conclusion: A Personalized Regime with Regional Ambitions

The power structure in Azerbaijan revolves around one center: the Aliyev presidency. With family members in key political posts, a tightly controlled military and security apparatus, and a passive legislative and judicial system, Azerbaijan operates as a classic post-Soviet authoritarian state. Its geopolitical moves—especially regarding Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and relations with Turkey and Israel—further reinforce the image of a regime both embattled and emboldened.

For now, the prospects of a genuine democratic transition remain distant.

نویسنده:amin kaidi shadgan