Liberal Democracy in Transitional Azerbaijan: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The status of liberal democracy in post-Soviet Azerbaijan is studied. It is contended that the process of nation building in transitional Azerbaijan is a particularly formidable task since the nation has never experienced democratization. The role of political elites in developing democracies is examined to better understand the conflict between old party elites & new political elites in present-day Azerbaijan. It is subsequently claimed that several additional difficulties have problematized the realization of liberal democracy in Azerbaijan, eg, the strong presence of traditional Muslim values & the absence of certain civil & political rights. It is concluded that contemporary Azerbaijani society is not prepared to accept Western-oriented democratic reforms; moreover, it is suggested that future political efforts focus on nation-building processes & democratization. 26 References. J. W. Parker