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4 Int'l J. Soc. Sci. Stud. 136 (2016)
The Complexity of Nationalism in Azerbaijan

handle is hein.journals/ijsoctu4 and id is 639 raw text is: International Journal of Social Science Studies Vol. 4, No. 5; May 2016 Fam e ISSN 2324-8033 E-ISSN 2324-8041 Published by Redfame Publishing URL: http://ijsss.redfame.com The Complexity of Nationalism in Azerbaijan Yoko Hirose Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Japan. Correspondence: Yoko Hirose, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Japan. Received: February 29, 2016 Accepted: March 11, 2016 Available online: April 8, 2016 doi: 10.1 1114/ijsss.v4i5.1531 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11114/ijsss.v4i5.1531 Abstract This article examines recent manifestations and trends of Azerbaijani nationalism, highlighting their complexity as they have evolved within regional and international contexts as expressions of Azerbaijani identity. It argues that although the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the 1990s was instrumental in invoking and strengthening Azerbaijani nationalism, more recent manifestations of nationalism have been varied and responsive to domestic as well as international influences. These influences include the de-russification of Azerbaijani names, which began toward the end of the Soviet era, and the development of national movements aimed at promoting the country's image internationally. One means by which to achieve this latter goal has been record-setting, which has included the creation of the world's largest national flag, prioritization of sporting excellence and attempts to host major international sporting and other events, and grandiose construction of buildings, pipelines, and communication and transportation networks. The Azerbaijani diaspora has also been active in promoting an Azerbaijani identity in opposition to Armenia. At the regional level, expressions of Azerbaijani nationalism have caused apprehension within Iran that Iranian Azerbaijanis might participate in these movements. Diplomatic efforts have been aimed at achieving balance, especially in Azerbaijani relations with Russia, Turkey, Iran, China, and the West. The article concludes that Azerbaijani nationalism is currently based on a weak economic foundation of extravagance enabled by oil and gas wealth. It recommends economic diversification, as well as a rethinking of Azerbaijani nationalism policy aimed toward fostering national identity in a less costly manner. Keywords: Azerbaijan, nationalism, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, diaspora 1. Introduction 1.] Defining Nationalism Azerbaijani nationalism is difficult to define or explain because of its complexity and its diverse domestic and international influences. Moreover, nationalism is itself a vague concept. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, nationalism entails feelings of loyalty and devotion toward a nation, and especially a sense of national consciousness. This leads to the exaltation of one nation above all others and the promotion of its culture and interests over those of other nations or supranational groups (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationalism). 1.2. Azerbaijani Nationalism: A Historical Background Azerbaijan's history as a nation has been brief Following its independence in 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was constituted. However, from 1920 to 1991, the country was incorporated into the Soviet Union. Thus, there was little time to develop a sense of Azerbaijani nationalism. Not small people, who experienced the Soviet regime ascribed to a Soviet identity and considered Moscow as their second home. (Note 1). However, following the collapse of the USSR, a strong nationalistic base, promoted by the people and government of Azerbaijan, was required to build a viable sovereign state. Some nationalistic movements existed even during the Soviet period, although they were limited in terms of their capacity and scale. These were mainly constituted by the intelligentsia, especially from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. During this period, Azerbaijani nationalism was notably affected by Turkish and Iranian histories and cultures, and Islamic heritage. However, such movements were banned during the Soviet era. Azerbaijani nationalism was later revived by perestroika and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (hereafter, NKC) with the Armenians. (Note 2). 136

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