Constructing Azerbaijanism: Historical Trajectories and Ilham Aliyev’s Authoritarian Instrumentalization

This article explores instrumentalization of the concept of Azerbaijanism as a central ideological framework in modern Azerbaijan, focusing on its articulation in Ilham Aliyev’s political discourse. It examines how Azerbaijanism evolved into a central pillar of regime legitimation under Ilham Aliyev. It shows that, although the Turkic, Islamic, multicultural, and Albanian elements of Azerbaijanism have historically competed for prominence, under Ilham Aliyev they coexist within a deliberately inclusive ideological framework that accommodates seemingly contradictory narratives. The study contributes to broader scholarship on authoritarian nationalism by demonstrating how national ideologies can accommodate competing narratives while simultaneously reinforcing regime legitimacy and resilience.