New special issue of the Social Research Journal dedicated to the “2025: Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” published

Under the Presidential Decree of 11 February 2025, which approved the Action Plan for declaring 2025 the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” in Azerbaijan, the Social Research Center (SRC) was assigned a set of responsibilities under Clause 10. These include organizing scientific and practical conferences with the participation of local and international experts on issues related to safeguarding state sovereignty, as well as preparing and publishing collections of papers, academic works, and books.

In line with this mandate, the Center’s “Social Research” journal has released a special issue dedicated to the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty.” This edition features 27 articles by local and international authors addressing key trends and directions in constitutionalism, national statehood and constitutional stability, human rights in the digital era, sovereignty and social challenges, the 30th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Constitution, the principle of equality in Azerbaijan’s sovereign constitution, state sovereignty in the context of digital globalization, prospects for integrating religious legal institutions into Azerbaijan’s secular civil legislation, the regulation of official language in constitutions, and other related topics.

The articles, presented to readers in five sections in both Azerbaijani and English, stand out for their relevance, diversity of content, comprehensiveness, and depth of analysis.

The first section, titled “2025: Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,” features six articles. This section includes Zahid Oruj, Chairman of the Board of the Social Research Center, with his article titled “30th Anniversary of Our Constitution: Reflections on the Historic Stage Leading to the Full Restoration of Azerbaijan’s State Sovereignty, Viewed from the 5th Anniversary of Our Victory.”  In this article, Mr. Oruj reflects on the historical development of constitutionalism in Azerbaijan and the path leading to the restoration of the nation’s sovereignty.

It is noted that in the 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, nations gaining their freedom faced a variety of governance models and political structures. Yet Azerbaijan, which had functioned as essentially independent since the 1970s, was treated as part of the “Soviet legacy” and dismantled, and our nation only belatedly secured the rights it had long deserved. The achievements established during the Tsarist and Communist periods could not simply be erased because of their ideological context. The Soviet constitutions of 1921, 1925, 1937, and 1978 contained progressive ideas, a robust legal framework, and a legacy of national statehood.

However, the political and legal capacities of the national democrats, who rose to power directly from the battlefield, were insufficient to adopt a new constitution. Those defeated in armed struggle could not craft the law. It was Heydar Aliyev—whose leadership rescued the country as it teetered between the chaos of the post-Soviet era and the dictatorship of disorder—who, years later, transformed this “Iron Resolve” into a decisive force during the Patriotic War.

The Constitution established under the National Leader Heydar Aliyev brought us victory and became the Victory Constitution. This Constitution now stands as the Manifesto of our Triumph. Each line embodies struggle, dignity, and our rightful claims. The Supreme Commander demonstrated that we are no longer heirs to loss—we are the architects of Return. We reclaimed our rights through battle, and now it is time to uphold them through justice, the law, and the

Constitution itself.

In her article, “Equality of Rights in the Sovereign Azerbaijani Constitution: Political-Legal Analysis of National and International Legislation,” Professor Rena Mirzazadeh, Head of the Department at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, examines how the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan addresses the principle of equality across both national and international legal frameworks.

The article analyzes the political and legal dimensions of equal rights, the constitutional provisions that define equality, and the process of ratifying relevant international conventions. It also considers how gender policy is regulated in relations between men and women, how national characteristics and cultural factors are reflected in domestic legislation, and the extent to which these elements align with broader gender strategies. Finally, the study explores how shifts in the country’s social environment require gender-related legal norms to be updated and reinforced accordingly.

It is widely acknowledged that in the age of digital globalization, the traditional understanding of state sovereignty is undergoing fundamental change. The rapid development of information technologies, global communication networks, the cyber-economy, and artificial intelligence has put the classical Westphalian model of sovereignty under pressure. Today, national constitutions are confronted with challenges stemming from the transnational activities of digital corporations, cybersecurity threats, the protection of personal data, and the safeguarding of digital rights.

In her article, “State Sovereignty in Context of Digital Globalization: Transformation of Constitutional Principles in 21st Century,” Nigina Shermukhamedova, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor at the Department of Philosophy and Fundamentals of Ethics at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan, offers a philosophical and legal analysis of how constitutional principles are being reshaped by digital globalization. Her study focuses on three main areas: 1) the evolution of the concept of sovereignty in the 21st century, shifting from absolute state autonomy toward hybrid forms; 2) changes in constitutional foundations, including the rule of law, individual rights and freedoms, and mechanisms for ensuring national security within the digital sphere; 3) prospects for forming a new model of “digital constitutionalism” that links national interests with international legal obligations. Overall, the research shows that the future of state sovereignty is tied directly to a country’s ability to adapt to global digital challenges. In the 21st century, national constitutions are becoming not only legal documents but also strategic tools for maintaining state identity, sustainable development, and international standing.

In her article “Role of Azerbaijani Ideology in Realization of National Priorities,” Ziba Agayeva, Doctor of Philosophy and Senior Researcher at the ANAS Philosophy and Sociology Institute, examines the role of the ideology of Azerbaijanism in the post-war period, particularly in advancing national priorities and shaping its place in public life. The study explores how Azerbaijanism functions as a comprehensive system of values that defines society’s main development directions, regulates and supports public order, encourages unity, solidarity, and patriotism, and preserves national culture and identity. The article analyzes this ideology across all three levels characteristic of national ideological systems: the theoretical-conceptual, the programmatic-directive, and the everyday, practical dimension. Agayeva also investigates the components of Azerbaijanism that stem from both traditional knowledge accumulated throughout the historical evolution of the Azerbaijani people and from contemporary processes of development and transformation. The article offers a political-philosophical perspective on the role of Azerbaijanism in shaping the nation’s political worldview, in fostering citizens’ understanding of political participation, and in contributing to Azerbaijan’s modernization and overall development.

In his article “Integration Perspectives of Religious Legal Institutions into Azerbaijan's Secular Civil Legislation,” Natig Khalilov, PhD in Law and Chief Advisor at the Office of the Trade Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the People’s Republic of China, analyzes the significant role religion has played in shaping civil law in Azerbaijan. He examines the influence of religious legal traditions within the country’s existing civil legislation and presents concrete proposals for how certain religious legal institutions might be integrated into modern civil law.
Historically, religion has exerted substantial influence on the development of law in Azerbaijan. From the 7th to the 19th century, Azerbaijani legal thought was largely grounded in the principles of Islamic law. Secularization trends became more pronounced in the 19th century, and during the Soviet period the legal system was fully separated from religion—a tendency that grew stronger after independence. The article explores how, despite the contemporary principle of separation between state and religion, elements of Islamic law continue to influence areas such as inheritance, family, and property law in Azerbaijan. It further considers whether certain Islamic legal institutions could be adapted and incorporated into the country’s current civil legislation, provided that the principle of secularism is upheld. The study highlights the long-standing and substantial impact of religion—particularly in matters of social justice, law enforcement, and human rights—and underscores its continued relevance in these fields.

One of the broader issues highlighted in this section concerns how official languages are regulated in national constitutions. The constitutional treatment of an official language is significant for questions of national identity, public administration, and citizens’ rights. In his article “Regulation of Official Language in Constitutions: Comparative Analysis,” Agshin Mammadov, PhD in Philology and Head of Department at the Social Research Center, examines the legal status of the official language in the Constitution of Azerbaijan alongside that of other countries.

The article begins by clarifying the concept of an official language, then reviews the constitutional provisions of various states, including those that establish a single official language, those that recognize multiple official languages, and those that grant legal status to regional or minority languages. It also outlines the legal framework governing the use of the Azerbaijani language as the state language. The goal of the study is to explore how different legal systems approach the regulation of an official language and how these approaches affect the linguistic rights of minority communities.

The second section, “Western Azerbaijan: Historical, Material, and Cultural Heritage,” features two articles. In her article “Return to Western Azerbaijan: Restoration of Historical Justice and Contemporary Realities,” Gulgun Guliyeva, PhD in Political Science and Lecturer at Baku State University’s Department of Diplomacy and Modern Integration Processes, examines the historical and political causes behind the mass deportation and forced displacement of Azerbaijanis from Western Azerbaijan, present-day Armenia.

The study traces systematic deportations carried out during the Soviet period, particularly between 1948–1953 and 1987–1991, which forced hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands. These events are analyzed through the lens of international law. By referencing UN documents and the European Convention on Human Rights, the article underscores the legitimacy of the right of return. Guliyeva also evaluates the role of the Western Azerbaijan Community, established on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, and the main provisions of the 2022 Return Concept, highlighting their relevance in contemporary geopolitical and humanitarian contexts. The article emphasizes the significance of resolving this issue for regional stability, peace, and the restoration of historical justice. Furthermore, it explores the historical foundations, legal framework, contemporary challenges, and potential pathways for realizing the return to Western Azerbaijan.

In his article “Material and Cultural Heritage of Western Azerbaijan,” Afghan Valiyev, PhD in Sociology, Sector Head at the Social Research Center, and member of the Western Azerbaijan Intellectuals Council, emphasizes that material and cultural monuments, as well as toponyms, serve as the most reliable evidence of an ethnic group’s historical presence in a particular geographic area.

He notes that as Armenians deported Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands, one of their first actions was to change place names. In recent decades, cultural monuments have been deliberately destroyed, appropriated, and systematically altered, with toponyms Armenianized. This process aims to erase all traces of Azerbaijani presence in these territories. By the 20th century, these actions had reached such a scale that, in the latest census and documentation processes in Western Azerbaijan—the historic Azerbaijani lands now within Armenia—not a single Muslim monument was officially recorded.

The third section, “Philosophical and Social Research,” features eight articles. In her contribution, “Abbasgulu Agha Bakikhanov's Treatise ‘Ayn al-Mizan’ in the Context of the Classical Logical Tradition of the Islamic World,” Arzu Hajiyeva, PhD in Philosophy and Head of the “History of Azerbaijani Philosophy” Department at ANAS Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, highlights the comprehensive nature of the great Azerbaijani thinker Abbasgulu Agha Bakikhanov’s intellectual legacy. His work spans poetry, philosophy, history, ethics, religion, astronomy, logic, and linguistics, reflecting the breadth and versatility of his mind and scholarly pursuits.

In this universal body of work, each piece occupies a distinct place. The treatise Ayn al-Mizan, composed in the first half of the 19th century, is one of the few logical treatises produced in the Islamic world at that time. It underscores the importance of studying logic as a distinct scientific discipline within the intellectual and cultural environment of the era. Hajiyeva’s article guides readers through the treatise’s historical context, structural and content features, as well as Bakikhanov’s perspectives on the nature of knowledge, methods of logical analysis, and their role. The author examines Ayn al-Mizan within the framework of Bakikhanov’s intellectual pursuits and achievements, seeking to situate it within the broader history and tradition of logical thought in the Islamic world.

In her article “Scientist as Subject of Scientific Activity,” Saadat Mammadova, PhD in Sociology and researcher at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, emphasizes that studying science and exploring its historical foundations essentially involves examining the development of scientific consciousness. This requires analyzing the psychology, thought processes, and reasoning styles of individuals—scientists—who filter practical thinking through the lens of scientific inquiry, presenting it in new, progressive ways. The article underscores that it is not merely those engaged in scientific work who matter, but the scientists actively advancing scientific thought. Understanding the cognitive capacities of such individuals provides insight into how science and scientific thinking emerge and evolve.

In her article “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Social Sciences: Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects,” Aynura Rashidova, PhD in Sociology and lecturer at Baku State University, examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social science research. She highlights AI’s potential to transform traditional research methodologies and enhance empirical analysis. By enabling large-scale data processing, behavioral modeling, and predictive analytics, AI opens new avenues for social research.

The article emphasizes that while AI does not replace classical qualitative methods, it complements them, particularly in analyzing complex, multidimensional social phenomena. Key challenges such as ethical considerations, algorithmic bias, and institutional regulation are also addressed. Rashidova advocates a “practical ethics” approach that combines transparency, academic integrity, public participation, and human-centered design. Drawing on literature analysis, the study concludes that investing in AI capabilities and ethical frameworks is essential for researchers and institutions to ensure its responsible use. AI thus emerges not only as a technological tool but also as a strategic resource for advancing social science and addressing global social challenges.
Digital technologies, as the driving force of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are profoundly reshaping the global socio-economic landscape. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, integrating digital technologies with social work not only promotes poverty reduction and the development of innovative approaches in social governance and public services across the participating countries, but also offers new models for transnational collaboration through technological capabilities.

In her article “Integration of Digital Technology and Social Work in the Belt and Road Initiative,” Hang Qu, a PhD candidate from China at Baku State University, examines this integration by analyzing smart agriculture, digital poverty alleviation, social governance, and cultural exchange. The study combines insights from Chinese practices with global experiences, assessing the role of digital technologies in the initiative and proposing strategies to optimize their implementation.

Ensuring the social inclusion of war veterans in Azerbaijan is recognized as a priority within the country’s social policy. In particular, following the 44-day Patriotic War, comprehensive legal and institutional measures have been implemented to support the integration of veterans and families of martyrs into society. Laws, decrees, and presidential orders—such as the Law on Veterans and the “YASHAT” Foundation—aim to strengthen social protection and improve living conditions for these individuals. The use of digital technologies, notably the Centralized Electronic Information System (CEIS) and the “e-Social” platform, has increased transparency and efficiency in the management of social support.

In his article “Analysis of Legal Framework Supporting Social Inclusion of War Veterans in Azerbaijan,” Shirin Mahammad, a PhD candidate at the Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University, examines the role of the legal and institutional framework in promoting veterans’ social inclusion. The study employs normative-legal analysis, comparative methods, and institutional assessment to evaluate key elements such as legislative improvements, the implementation of presidential pensions, and the effective management of the YASHAT Foundation’s resources. The research highlights that Azerbaijan’s model combines state resources with public solidarity, demonstrating unique features in strengthening social inclusion. Key mechanisms—such as proactive electronic assignment of pensions, digitally managed social services, and state-funded education—enhance the effectiveness of social policy. This approach contributes not only to social justice but also to reinforcing trust between the state and society. The study suggests that Azerbaijan’s experience can serve as a model for other countries and offers a foundation for further research on the topic.

Information on natural disasters and disaster preparedness is essential for communities living in hazard-prone areas. In his study “Building Disaster Awareness among Adolescents in Indonesia: Case Study of Earthquake-Prone Areas,” Reza Aprianti, a PhD candidate at Baku State University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, explores how to enhance adolescents’ awareness of disasters, focusing specifically on the frequent earthquakes in their regions.

The research subjects included students from secondary schools and vocational schools in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, as well as the Pagar Alam City Disaster Management Agency. The study employed a case study approach using qualitative methods, collecting data through interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis was conducted within the framework of risk communication theory, which emphasizes communication strategies in raising adolescents’ awareness of disasters. The study identified multiple stages in the process of increasing disaster awareness among adolescents, starting from socialization activities, focus group discussions, and social media engagement, to disaster simulation training. The findings provide a structured understanding of how adolescents in earthquake-prone areas can be effectively informed and prepared for potential disasters.

Violence against children remains a pressing global issue, with serious consequences at both individual and societal levels. Such violence significantly disrupts children’s emotional, physical, and social development, leaving lasting negative effects on their future lives. Addressing this problem and minimizing incidents of violence requires the combined efforts of technology and education. Modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and digital security tools, offer innovative and effective solutions for the early detection and prevention of violence. At the same time, educational institutions and public awareness initiatives help strengthen the sense of responsibility among parents and society, addressing the root causes of violence. Education plays a central role in creating environments where the reasons behind violence are deeply understood and effectively mitigated.

In his article “Role of Technology and Education in Preventing Violence against Children,” Aykhan Gahramanov, a PhD candidate at Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University, examines the potential of integrating technology and education to prevent violence against children. The study discusses how the synergy between technological innovations and educational interventions can contribute to building a safer and healthier society for future generations.
In his article “Ideological Formation of Cosmopolitanism and Its Forms,” Subhan Padarov, Senior Advisor at the Social Research Center, examines how Western cosmopolitanism, emerging from Immanuel Kant’s concept of a “polis” extending across the globe, has gained renewed significance in the 21st century amid the powerful forces of globalization. Globalization in the modern era has reignited interest in cosmopolitanism and stimulated renewed academic debates around it.

Cosmopolitanism re-emerges as a framework for understanding social, cultural, and political transformations and interactions that transcend territorial boundaries. In this sense, it provides a reference point for discussing concepts such as various global democratic institutions, transnational justice, and post-national forms of citizenship. At its core, cosmopolitanism envisions the individual stepping beyond specific territorial, cultural, communal, and political affiliations to belong to a broader human community. However, this inevitably creates tension—sometimes even profound ideological fractures—between cosmopolitan ideals and the interests of nation-states, national identities, and a nation’s right to protect its historical, cultural, and ethnic heritage.
The fourth section, “National and International Security: Geopolitical Research,” features seven articles. In his study “Cyberspace and Digitalization: New Paradigms in International Relations and Global Security,” Elgun Taghizade, a doctoral student at Baku State University, examines the impact of cyberspace on international relations and the shifts it has produced in security paradigms in the era of digitalization.

While digitalization accelerates economic and social opportunities for states, it simultaneously introduces serious risks, including cyberattacks, information manipulation, and threats to critical infrastructure. The research employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, using a case-study approach to analyze incidents such as the “Stuxnet,” “Petya,” and “WannaCry” cyberattacks, as well as the “Cambridge Analytica” scandal. The findings highlight that cyber warfare has become a key factor reshaping the balance of power among states and underscores the need for flexible regulations within international law. The article also discusses the military applications of innovative technologies, the principle of the “weakest link,” the importance of strategies transitioning from offense to defense, and the role of initiatives by organizations such as NATO, the UN, and the EU. Overall, cyberspace emerges as a strategic priority in 21st-century international relations and has become a central element of the global security architecture.

In the article “National Security Beyond the Battlefield: Strategic Vision for Romania and Azerbaijan,” Aleksandra-Stefaniya Dinulescu, a doctoral student at Baku State University from Romania, emphasizes that national security encompasses far more than traditional military concerns. It also includes economic strength, energy independence, and diplomatic relations. For countries like Romania and Azerbaijan, strategic security involves balancing alliances, energy resources, and regional cooperation, enabling protection against both internal and external threats. Examples from Belarus, Ukraine, and the Baltic states illustrate how energy dependence can be used as a tool of pressure and highlight the risks of relying on a single energy source.

In this context, independence grounded in the concept of “smart power,” a calibrated combination of hard and soft power, is particularly crucial. For Romania and Azerbaijan, national defense relies less on the direct use of force and more on enhancing resilience, implementing preventive measures, and building trust through strategic international partnerships and energy diplomacy. Ultimately, transforming national security into an integrated and dynamic system is essential for both Romania and Azerbaijan to effectively respond to the unpredictable and volatile challenges of the global landscape.

In the article “Development of Theoretical-Conceptual Approaches to Transformation of Military Conflict,” Zafar Najafov, senior lecturer at the National Defense University’s Military Administration Institute, and Etibar Guliyev analyze the theoretical and conceptual foundations underlying the transformation of military conflicts. The study reviews the perspectives of classical theorists such as Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and B.H. Liddell Hart.

In the modern era, the rapid transformations of warfare are examined against three groups of military-theoretical frameworks. Sun Tzu’s dualistic approach to strategy, Clausewitz’s classical conception of war, and Liddell Hart’s “indirect approach” illustrate how traditional views of military force and the art of war have evolved. Contemporary analyses emphasize the contributions of scholars such as Alvin Toffler, Martin van Creveld, and Mary Kaldor. Toffler’s “waves of social development,” van Creveld’s “non-trinitarian warfare,” and Kaldor’s “new forms of organized violence” highlight the emergence of new actors, combat methods, and operational approaches in modern military conflicts. The research synthesizes dominant features across three groups of contemporary military-theoretical concepts to identify the transformative characteristics of today’s conflicts. Najafov and Guliyev argue that radical changes in modern warfare—spanning actors, rules, structure, objectives, and military management—reflect a profound evolution from classical perspectives toward contemporary approaches.

In his article “Dynamics of Contemporary Political Processes and Azerbaijan's Adequate Approach in Foreign Policy,” Samir Humbatov, lecturer at Azerbaijan University and PhD candidate in Political Science and International Relations at Kütahya Dumlupınar University, examines the nature of rapid and complex changes in the contemporary international relations system and their impact on Azerbaijan’s foreign policy strategy.

The study analyzes how shifts in global power centers, intensifying regional conflicts, energy security challenges, selective application of international law, and deepening geopolitical competition influence Azerbaijan’s capacity for adaptive and adequate foreign policy responses. The article assesses Azerbaijan’s recent strategic initiatives, diplomatic activity, and balanced foreign policy approach within both global and regional contexts. Particular attention is given to Azerbaijan’s relations with Russia, Türkiye, the European Union, China, and Iran, as well as its role in the Non-Aligned Movement, illustrating the practical expression of a multi-vector foreign policy. Additionally, the article situates the dynamics of contemporary political processes within theoretical frameworks—realist, liberal-institutionalist, and constructivist perspectives—highlighting how Azerbaijan’s foreign policy doctrine aligns with these approaches. 
In her article “Azerbaijan's Role in Ensuring Energy Security in Black Sea Region,” Gunay Umarova, PhD candidate at the Department of International Relations, Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University, examines Azerbaijan’s role in securing energy safety in the Black Sea region, which is of critical importance for both global and regional powers in terms of energy transport.

The author emphasizes that energy is a key factor for long-term security and stability. Cooperation among regional countries in energy security holds significant potential and shows increasing positive trends. The Caspian region, especially energy-rich Azerbaijan, has the capacity to mitigate many emerging energy challenges. Through a pragmatic energy policy aligned with national interests, Azerbaijan acts as a central player in transnational projects of regional and global significance.

In his study “Powerhouse in the South Caucasus: Azerbaijan's Regional and International Political Role,” Mirali Seyidov, PhD candidate at Nakhchivan State University, examines the factors behind Azerbaijan’s growing political influence in the South Caucasus and on the global stage. Using a descriptive analytical approach, the research considers political, economic, and diplomatic dimensions to understand the country’s expanding role.

The study highlights that Azerbaijan’s abundant energy resources, strategic transport projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway and Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, balanced foreign policy, and proactive diplomatic engagement have been instrumental in establishing the country as a key regional and international actor. What sets this research apart is its focus on Azerbaijan’s activities within multilateral platforms, particularly the Non-Aligned Movement, and its role in regional energy security, analyzed from a fresh perspective. The study introduces a novel insight by systematically exploring, for the first time, how these activities enhance the country’s political weight in accordance with principles of international law. A noted limitation is that geopolitical fluctuations may affect the long-term stability of the observed outcomes. Nevertheless, the findings offer valuable guidance for shaping Azerbaijan’s future foreign policy priorities and for developing models of regional cooperation.

In the context of globalization, alongside conventional military threats, non-coercive phenomena—soft threats and risks—have gained growing prominence on the security agenda, with this form of confrontation expanding over recent decades. The gradual transformation in the nature of warfare and the tools of military coercion is increasingly evident on the modern battlefield. While traditional operations cannot entirely suppress the use of hard power, the influence of soft power instruments is on the rise. These tools play a significant role in determining the outcomes of conflicts and in weakening or even fully undermining state sovereignty, rivaling the impact of classical military force.

In his article “Soft Threats to Azerbaijan’s National Security Arising from Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges in the South Caucasus and Response Mechanisms,” Mahammad Akbarov, PhD in Philosophy and researcher at the Military Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, examines these emerging challenges. The study highlights that, despite its growing relevance, the emergence of new forms and methods of soft threats remains a relatively underexplored area of research, with systematic studies in Azerbaijan only beginning to take shape. The article assesses the degree to which external soft threats pose dangers to the country and underscores the critical importance of countering them. Its primary objective is to identify the soft threats facing Azerbaijan in the aftermath of the Second Karabakh War and to propose strategies for improving response mechanisms within the context of new geopolitical and military realities. The research employs a broad range of general logical reasoning methods, including synthesis, analysis, induction, and deduction, to develop its findings.

The fifth and final section, “Economic Research,” features four articles. In his study “Directions for Enhancing Innovation and Investment Activities in Enterprises,” Rafig Rzayev, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Economics under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasizes the crucial role of innovation and investment activities in ensuring enterprise competitiveness and sustainable development in the modern era.
The article analyzes the concepts of innovation and investment, examines the challenges enterprises face in these areas, and identifies practical strategies for addressing them and improving performance. Proposals are grounded in scientific principles and supported with references to international best practices. Rzayev stresses that enhancing innovation and investment activity requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Key components of this development include active government involvement, a favorable legal and institutional framework, robust human capital, and finance mechanisms oriented toward technology. Furthermore, the study provides an assessment of the current state of innovation and investment activity in Azerbaijan, identifies existing challenges, and offers targeted recommendations to improve the overall environment for enterprise development in these critical areas.

In her article “Economic Potential and Strategic Importance of Nakhchivan,” Aida Hasanli, a doctoral candidate at the Nakhchivan Branch of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, examines the economic potential and strategic significance of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The study notes that the region’s socio-economic development has accelerated due to the consistent programs implemented by the Azerbaijani government, particularly state strategies aimed at regional development.

Nakhchivan’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, industry, salt production, and cross-border trade. Drawing on statistical data, the article evaluates total revenue and growth trends for the period 2019–2023. Emphasis is placed on the development of the non-oil sector, entrepreneurship, and the implementation of state programs, especially the new State Program covering 2023–2027, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the region’s economic independence and sustainable growth. The research concludes that Nakhchivan’s economic development has been significantly strengthened through targeted state initiatives.

In her article “Major Food Crises in History, Their Impact on International Politics, and Contemporary Challenges,” Aynur Mammadova, a doctoral candidate at Azerbaijan University of Languages, examines some of the most significant food crises throughout human history and their profound effects on societies. The study highlights how natural disasters, disruptions in agricultural production, wars, and political decisions have repeatedly led to severe strains in global and regional food supplies. These crises often extended beyond economic and social consequences, prompting substantial shifts in international relations and global political dynamics.

The article also emphasizes the renewed relevance of this issue in the contemporary era, particularly amid accelerating climate change and ongoing armed conflicts. Through a historical perspective, Mammadova identifies notable examples of food shortages, analyzes their root causes, and explores their impact on international politics. Furthermore, the study discusses policies and potential measures that could be implemented to prevent the recurrence of such crises in the future, offering insights into strategies for mitigating their effects.

In his article “Assessing Renewable Energy Potential in the Territories Liberated from Occupation,” Elmir Mehdiyev, Leading Advisor at the Socio-Economic Analysis Department of the Social Research Center, examines the current state of renewable energy production on a global scale and analyzes Azerbaijan’s renewable energy potential. The study places particular emphasis on the territories recently liberated from occupation, evaluating their capacity for renewable energy development. Drawing on the insights of international experts, Mehdiyev concludes that there is a growing necessity to expand the use of renewable energy resources in these areas, highlighting both their strategic importance and untapped potential.

The latest issue of the Social Research journal, a quarterly publication with an international editorial board covering a wide range of social and human sciences, is also available in PDF format on the journal’s website: https://socialresearchjournal.az/.

The Social Research journal has been published by the Social Research Center since 2019. On August 6, 2019, it was registered in the print publications registry of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan under number 4248. In March 2021, the journal received an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN 2788-8789 for print and ISSN 2959-5223 for online) from the International Center for the Registration of Serial Publications, based in Paris, France. It has also been included by the High Attestation Commission in the “List of Periodical Scientific Publications by Field of Science” under four scientific areas: Philosophy and Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and History and Anthropology.

Currently, efforts are being actively made to include the journal in international abstracting and indexing databases.

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The International Scientific Editorial Board is chaired by Zahid Oruj, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Social Research Center. His deputy is Professor Tahira Allahyarova, Doctor of Philosophy, and the Executive Secretary is Agshin Mammadov, Doctor of Philosophy in Philology.

Editorial Board of the Social Research journal