Tensions between Azerbaijan and France have reached unprecedented levels, with diplomatic hostilities now extending beyond the South Caucasus and into a broader global narrative of colonialism and decolonization. Once guided by a cautious approach—described by Murad Muradov, Deputy Director of the Baku-based Topchubashov Center, as “keep your friends close but your enemies closer”—Azerbaijan has now adopted a foreign policy that openly challenges France’s global standing.

While much of the discord stems from France’s support for Armenia, the conflict has taken an unexpected turn, with Azerbaijan presenting itself as a leader of decolonization. By hosting high-profile discussions on French overseas territories, Azerbaijan has amplified historical grievances that, at first glance, seem far removed from its own national interests. But what does Baku gain from this sudden advocacy, and how does it tie back to its geopolitical rivalry with Paris?

Nagorno-Karabakh and the Breaking Point

The deterioration of Azerbaijani-French relations can be traced to the long-standing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia that has escalated significantly in recent years. Following the 2020 war, Azerbaijan reclaimed much of the disputed territory, and in September 2023, it launched a military operation that effectively ended the Armenian presence in Nagorno-Karabakh. The exodus of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians prompted condemnation from the West, with France taking one of the most vocal stances.

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing, a charge that further inflamed tensions. The French Senate responded with resolutions calling for sanctions against Baku, while Paris strengthened its ties with Armenia, including discussions on military cooperation. In turn, Azerbaijan dismissed France as an unreliable mediator, severed diplomatic engagement, and actively sought to counterbalance French influence on international platforms.

Azerbaijan’s Anti-Colonial Turn

In a notable geopolitical maneuver, Azerbaijan has embraced the language of anti-colonialism—not against former Soviet rule, but against France’s overseas territories. By hosting high-profile conferences and aligning with separatist movements in French-controlled regions, Baku has drawn attention to France’s governance of Mayotte, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia.

One of the most notable events was the 2024 conference titled Illegal French Occupation of Mayotte Island of the Union of Comoros, organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG). The event brought together voices from separatist movements across French-controlled territories, denouncing France’s presence in Mayotte despite the island’s overwhelming vote in a 2009 referendum to remain part of France. Additional conferences, such as French Polynesia’s Right to Decolonization: Problems and Prospects and The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Consequences of French Colonialism, further positioned Azerbaijan as an unexpected player in the decolonization discourse.

Observers argue that Baku’s motives extend beyond historical grievances. Some analysts suggest that Azerbaijan’s campaign is, in part, a response to France’s backing of Armenia, aiming to shift international focus while engaging in a broader geopolitical discourse.

A Selective Critique of Colonialism

Azerbaijan’s anti-colonial stance is notable for its selectivity. While it strongly critiques French overseas governance, it remains silent on the overseas territories of the United Kingdom, a close political partner of Baku, and on the persistent influence of Russia, another key ally. Azerbaijan has also largely avoided addressing its own colonial past under Russian and Soviet rule. Unlike Georgia, Ukraine, and, more recently, Kazakhstan, which have actively sought to reclaim their national identities from Soviet legacies, Azerbaijan has disproportionately focused on France’s colonial history.

This silence raises questions about the broader implications of Azerbaijan’s stance. If the fight against colonialism were a universal cause, why does it downplay Russian imperialism? The answer likely lies in Azerbaijan’s growing alignment with Moscow. As Russia becomes increasingly isolated due to its war in Ukraine, Azerbaijan has emerged as a crucial energy partner, helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions through rerouted gas exports. This geopolitical reality makes it inconvenient for Baku to challenge Russia’s own colonial history, instead directing its focus on France—a nation that has become Armenia’s strongest Western ally. As Murad Muradov put it, “Russia would see criticism of its own imperialist past in Azerbaijan as a red line crossed. Moscow views such narratives as a direct attack on its influence in post-Soviet countries.”

At the same time, Muradov points out that, in Azerbaijan, France is often regarded as applying double standards. As he stated in an interview, “France interferes in the sovereign affairs of other states over issues such as minority and human rights, yet it disregards these same principles domestically in its overseas territories and deflects any external criticism.” Notably, the accusation of double standards is used reciprocally by both state actors.

The Role of Decolonization in Diplomatic Strategy

The use of decolonization rhetoric for geopolitical gain is not new, but Azerbaijan’s approach highlights a broader trend: the incorporation of civil rights struggles into international diplomacy. Just as Baku previously deployed environmental activists to blockade Nagorno-Karabakh, it now seeks to insert itself into the anti-colonial movement as part of its foreign policy strategy.

Despite the political motivations behind its campaign, Azerbaijan has nonetheless tapped into real grievances in French overseas territories. The Kanak people in New Caledonia, for example, have long struggled against policies they see as paternalistic. Recent French electoral reforms granting voting rights to newcomers in New Caledonia have reignited tensions. France’s colonial history remains a legitimate issue for debate, but Azerbaijan’s sudden involvement raises ethical concerns about the instrumentalization of these struggles for broader diplomatic maneuvering.

The Future of Azerbaijani-French Relations

As both nations continue to navigate diplomatic challenges, reconciliation appears increasingly unlikely. Azerbaijan remains firm in reshaping its relationship with France, while France has reinforced its support for Armenia and its broader influence in the South Caucasus. With Baku strengthening ties with its so-called "brother state" Turkey, as well as Israel and Russia, and Paris deepening its engagement with Armenia, the geopolitical divide is only widening.

What is clear is that Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is undergoing a transformation. As Murad Muradov stated, the old strategy of “keep your friends close but your enemies closer” has evolved into a more direct approach, with consequences that will be felt far beyond the South Caucasus. Whether Azerbaijan’s engagement in anti-colonial advocacy will have a lasting impact or serve merely as a temporary diplomatic tool remains to be seen. However, the geopolitical contest between Azerbaijan and France is far from over.

Broader Implications for Global Politics

Azerbaijan’s pivot to anti-colonial advocacy reflects a broader shift in global politics, where historical grievances are increasingly weaponized for contemporary geopolitical goals. By framing its conflict with France in the language of decolonization, Azerbaijan is attempting to position itself as a leader among post-colonial states, particularly in the Global South. This strategy not only undermines France’s moral authority but also allows Azerbaijan to build alliances with nations that share a history of colonial exploitation.

However, this approach is not without risks. By selectively targeting France while ignoring other colonial powers, Azerbaijan risks accusations of hypocrisy. Moreover, its alignment with Russia—a nation with its own imperialist legacy—complicates its anti-colonial narrative. As the world watches this diplomatic drama unfold, the key question remains: will Azerbaijan’s anti-colonial rhetoric resonate globally, or will it be seen as a thinly veiled attempt to retaliate against France?

Ultimately, the Azerbaijani-French rivalry is a microcosm of the larger geopolitical shifts reshaping the world order. As nations increasingly use historical narratives to advance their interests, the line between genuine advocacy and strategic manipulation becomes increasingly blurred. The outcome of this contest will not only determine the future of Azerbaijani-French relations but also set a precedent for how historical grievances are leveraged in the 21st century.

About the Author:
Svenja Petersen is a political economist who graduated from Sciences Po Paris, the Free University of Berlin, the London School of Economics, and the College of Europe in Natolin. She currently works in the field of international development cooperation and is a freelance political analyst for several media outlets.