| Description |
19 pages : illustrations, map, digital, PDF file |
| Series |
Policy briefing. Europe briefing ; no. 50 |
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Policy briefing (International Crisis Group)
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Europe briefing ; no. 50.
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| Summary |
"Reform of Azerbaijan's controversial army is stalling for lack of political will. Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and Reform, the latest policy briefing from the International Crisis Group, examines the difficulties the country faces in upgrading its military. Oil wealth has been poured into a defence budget that has increased more than ten-fold in five years, raising concerns President Ilham Aliyev might eventually choose war with Armenia to recover Nagorno-Karabakh. But reforms could also make the army more accountable, less corrupt and a contributor to democratisation. Unwillingness to take tough decisions, including how far to cooperate with and accept advice from NATO while balancing relations with Russia and Iran, has led to stalemate in efforts to reduce widespread inefficiency, corruption and mistreatment in the army. For now at least, the delicate military balance with Armenia probably still holds. 'Defence sector reform should be an integral part of an overall democratic process, said Lawrence Sheets, Crisis Group Caucasus Project Director. 'If Azerbaijan is committed to thorough reform of the military, it will need to change substantially in many other areas of government and society as well. But parliament has failed to oversee military expenditure and has no authority to summon power ministers, including the defence minister, to report on their activities.' A modern and efficient army, even if subject to democratic, civilian control, is not unproblematic while the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh remains deeply resented. But ability to hold leaders to account for expenditures and policy priorities at least has the potential to make the system more responsible and predictable. Azerbaijan needs to improve dissemination of defence information and expand awareness about its increased military spending. NATO, which is helping with its military reform, should facilitate dialogue between the militaries of both Azerbaijan and Armenia. The international community, including the EU, U.S. and Russia should push the parties harder to resolve their conflict peacefully. 'It makes sense both for Azerbaijan to pursue the kind of deep reforms of structures, laws and procedures necessary to build a truly excellent military and for NATO and other democratic states to provide a degree of assistance, ' said Sabine Freizer, Crisis Group Europe Program Director. 'However, the fundamental need is for all who profess an interest in stability in these areas to give more priority to ensuring that it is diplomacy, not war that provides the answer to the still dangerous Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.'"--Publisher description |
| Notes |
Title from PDF caption (viewed Oct. 29, 2008) |
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"29 October 2008." |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references |
| Subject |
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
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| SUBJECT |
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. fast (OCoLC)fst00529467 |
| Subject |
Armed Forces -- Appropriations and expenditures.
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Armed Forces -- Reorganization.
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Military policy.
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Military readiness.
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Politics and government
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| SUBJECT |
Azerbaijan -- Armed Forces -- Reorganization
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Azerbaijan -- Military policy
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Azerbaijan -- Defenses
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Azerbaijan -- Armed Forces -- Appropriations and expenditures
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Azerbaijan -- Politics and government. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh94005366
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| Subject |
Azerbaijan.
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| Author |
International Crisis Group.
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