Azerbaijan’s Strategic Shift Away from MoscowAzerbaijan is undergoing a significant geopolitical realignment, moving away from Moscow’s traditional dominance and pursuing a more independent, multi-vector foreign policy. This strategic shift has been shaped by historical grievances, the post-war dynamics of the South Caucasus, and the weakening of Russia’s regional influence following the Ukraine war. This demonstrated that Moscow was no longer the only power capable of shaping events in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan’s growing influence is reshaping the South Caucasus power dynamics. Azerbaijan’s strategic pivot is not about severing ties with Moscow but about redefining its role in a multipolar world.