Narratives of Recent Years: How History Changes?

To evaluate a historical event, one must deeply understand the methodological aspects of history.
The success of a causal approach arises from the results of analogies and comparative analysis.

The formation of history is also its transformation. Strong individuals become symbols of strong societies, and these societies, in turn, create exemplary models for governance. In this way, history changes, forms, and renews, creating new realities that lay the base for the future, turning the history of today into solid foundations.

In this context, the year 2024 can be characterized as a true election boom on a global scale. Observing political activity within the global system, Azerbaijan not only successfully hosted the COP29 summit but also significantly influenced the global climate agenda, steering it in a new direction. In 2024, against the backdrop of intensifying global warming, extreme weather events occurred worldwide.

In Canada, thousands of hectares of forests were destroyed by wildfires, in Spain, floods claimed the lives of more than 200 people, and major cities in Italy were struck by heavy rains. Amidst these events, Azerbaijan, through its hosting of COP, achieved significant results that will influence the years to come.
In the aftermath of the Patriotic War (Second Karabakh War) in 2020, the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus underwent a significant transformation. Azerbaijan emerged as a symbol of victory, innovation, and unity.

Azerbaijan addressed the issue of separatism by raising its flag in Khankendi, a significant development that contributed to the refinement of the Azerbaijani model.

Azerbaijan has emerged as a beacon of hope for those grappling with the challenges posed by separatism. It has emerged as a pivotal solution for small island nations that have been subjected to exploitation by global powers. Azerbaijan has solidified its position as a staunch opponent of global instability, neo-imperialism, and neo-colonialism.

Azerbaijan's contributions to the global system are transforming the landscape of the international community. In contrast to those who perceive history as solely a period of darkness and despair, we adopt a more optimistic outlook.

Classical and neoclassical theorists of history, who predicted the end of history, attempted to portray the future of Earth in negative tones, and this continues today. Both Fukuyama and Marx predicted the end of history, but while Marx had one forecast, Fukuyama's was entirely different. According to Fukuyama, the best way of life and social order is one where liberalism reigns. However, events have shown that such narratives are harmful. On the contrary, those who deviated from national consciousness and adopted political liberalism as a trend have promoted neo-imperialism. As a result, the wealth of oppressed peoples was plundered, and ecological irresponsibility deepened the climate crisis. The national identity of peoples also became a target.
Notably, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and other Turkic states have reinforced national consciousness and promoted the concept of national unity in public opinion. As a result, in Türkiye and other Turkic regions, foreign ideologies and potentially harmful theories will be unable to influence the majority's worldview.
A great future lies ahead of us. Just as our country liberated its lands from occupation during the global pandemic, in 2024, it is actively engaged in the reconstruction of the liberated territories, implementing the Great Return program, addressing the mine issue, and becoming the center of the global climate movement.

We are facing the continuation of the reconstruction process and the Great Return.

In an interview for local TV channels in January 2025, President Ilham Aliyev touched on many important historical moments. At the beginning of the interview, the head of state emphasized: "Azerbaijan’s economy developed. I believe that the pace of development, if we look at today's world in general, can be seen as positive. The gross domestic product has increased by more than 4 percent. In fact, the main indicator for us is the development of the non-oil sector. Because, as you know, we have been facing a decline in oil production, and I believe that as a result of the negotiations and efforts made, this decline will be stopped and oil production will remain stable. Thus, the decline in oil production will no longer have a negative impact on the gross domestic product. Therefore, when we look at overall economic indicators, we, first of all, take into account the parameters of the non-oil sector. Here too, the development has been more successful, as it has increased by more than 6 percent. Considering that for many years now, one of our main goals for economic development has been to increase industrial production, growth in the non-oil industrial sector is even higher. This is more than 7 percent. In other words, if we look at the growth rates of the world economy and the development rates of developed countries, or rather, their recessions, we will see that the Azerbaijani economy has developed successfully. Of course, this is based on a well-thought-out policy".

Thus, economic stability supports social reforms. The stronger the economy, the stronger the country's position in international relations and the sustainability of social policy. Social expenditures in the state budget have increased from 10.3 billion manats in 2021 to 15.5 billion manats in 2024, and the 2025 budget draft allocates 16.9 billion manats for these purposes. This shows an increase of 6.6 billion manats, or 1.6 times, in these expenditures in a short period. As a result, along with the reconstruction of Karabakh, improving the social conditions of citizens remains and will remain a priority.

In the interview, the head of state also exposed the political games that certain imperialist circles are trying to play against our country. The President noted: "The Second Karabakh War and the anti-terror operation should be taken very seriously in Armenia. The ongoing armament of Armenia is, of course, a new threat factor for the South Caucasus. I have already said this and I want to say it again that we cannot simply watch this as observers and do nothing. I have also repeatedly stated this to the Armenian leadership that this may create a new threat. At the same time, those who seem to be standing behind Armenia today and inciting them to new provocations and sabotage against Azerbaijan will most likely not stand behind them until the end. Just as they could not stand in 2020 and beyond. Not because they do not want to stand, but because Azerbaijan simply will not provide these opportunities. Therefore, a significant part of the state budget of Azerbaijan will be spent on military and security issues. I have already said this once: we are spending 4 billion manats on the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangezur and 8.4 billion manats on resolving military and security issues. It could have been completely different. Because Armenia's arms race forces us to attract financial resources to military issues other than the main ones".

Furthermore, the actions of all forces opposing Azerbaijan, including neo-colonial powers such as France, have been addressed in a suitable manner.
Azerbaijan has emerged as a notable success story in the modern era, characterized by its internal stability, ambitious reconstruction projects, and global initiatives. The country has set its sights on even more ambitious goals for the future.

 

Tural Ismayilov