| Description |
1 online resource (ii, 28 pages) : color map |
| Series |
Europe report ; no. 207 |
|
Europe report (International Crisis Group) ; no. 207.
|
| Contents |
Executive summary and recommendtions -- Introduction -- Political portrait of the regime -- Relations with the ruling elite -- Control over public life -- Any chance for reform? -- Conclusion |
| Summary |
The further consolidation of authoritarianism and continuation of corrupt practices threaten the long-term stability of the Azerbaijani state. For the time being, the leadership benefits from the political status quo and lacks obvious incentives to undertake substantial reforms. But as oil production levels off and begins its inevitable decline, easy-money euphoria should be replaced by a pragmatic policy review. In the next few years, the government will experience contracting revenues and find it more difficult to sustain its short-term thinking and policies. There may be no alternative to some liberalisation of the economy and politics to satisfy popular expectations of continued improvements in living standards and services. If such change is to come, however, the start will likely have to originate from within the regime. Through suppression and co-option, the authorities have achieved overwhelming control over virtually every aspect of public life. The political opposition is not a serious force. The authorities believe their oil wealth and strategic energy and geographical positions allow them to ignore outside pressures. Probably the only - slim - chance for meaningful reform of the system in the near to medium term is through promotion of an understanding within the ruling elites that gradual liberalisation is in their own best interests. Opening up the system while it is still in solid financial shape is, after all, a better option than experiencing a slow but steady descent into a systemic crisis that would be dangerous for the nation and the elites alike |
| Notes |
Title from cover screen (viewed Sept. 12, 2010) |
|
"3 September 2010." |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references |
| Subject |
Political stability -- Azerbaijan
|
|
Economic history.
|
|
Politics and government
|
|
Political stability.
|
| SUBJECT |
Azerbaijan -- Politics and government -- 1991- http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh94005367
|
|
Azerbaijan -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2003001562
|
| Subject |
Azerbaijan.
|
| Form |
Electronic book
|
| Author |
International Crisis Group.
|
|
