Azerbaijan Accuses Western Media of Persistent Disinformation Campaign
Istanbul, December 14 – Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, launched a sharp critique of Western and Armenian media outlets, accusing them of perpetuating a disinformation campaign against Azerbaijan. Speaking at the Stratcom Summit ’24 in Istanbul during a panel discussion on "AI and Strategic Development: A Vision for Azerbaijan’s Future," Hajiyev asserted that this disinformation campaign has targeted several key areas, including the Second Karabakh War, subsequent anti-terror operations, and even Azerbaijan’s participation in COP29. He characterized these efforts as a continuous and systematic policy aimed at undermining Azerbaijan’s image and interests.
Hajiyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s proactive approach to combating disinformation, emphasizing the country’s utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and counter false narratives. Despite the cessation of active hostilities in the Second Karabakh War, Hajiyev stated that Azerbaijan continues to grapple with the lingering effects of disinformation. He underscored the seriousness with which Azerbaijan views this issue, noting that it is consistently raised during negotiations with Armenia. This commitment to leveraging technology demonstrates Azerbaijan’s determination to effectively address the challenges posed by disinformation.
The Second Karabakh War, a 44-day conflict that concluded in November 2020, saw Azerbaijan reclaim territories previously held by Armenian forces. This period was marked by an intense information war, with both sides engaging in propaganda and accusations of disseminating false information. Hajiyev’s remarks suggest that Azerbaijan believes this disinformation campaign has persisted beyond the end of the conflict, impacting international perceptions of the region and ongoing negotiations. His mention of anti-terror operations likely refers to subsequent security measures taken by Azerbaijan in the region, actions that have also been subject to varying interpretations and media narratives.
Further illustrating the scope of the alleged disinformation campaign, Hajiyev pointed to COP29, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Azerbaijan’s participation in this global forum, focused on addressing climate change, appears to have also become a target of what Azerbaijan perceives as biased and inaccurate reporting. This suggests that the alleged disinformation campaign is not limited to regional security matters but extends to other areas of international engagement. The accusation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics, media narratives, and international diplomacy in the modern era.
Beyond the issue of disinformation, Hajiyev also addressed the robust relationship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. He emphasized the multifaceted development of this partnership, highlighting cooperation within both bilateral frameworks and the broader context of the Organization of Turkic States. This regional organization, comprising Turkic-speaking countries, serves as a platform for enhanced collaboration in various fields. Hajiyev specifically mentioned cooperation in artificial intelligence, underscoring the two countries’ shared interest in leveraging technology for national development and security.
Hajiyev’s statements at the Stratcom Summit ’24 provide insights into Azerbaijan’s perspective on the information landscape surrounding the country. His accusations of a persistent disinformation campaign, coupled with the emphasis on using AI to counter these narratives, highlight the increasing importance of information warfare in the 21st century. The context of his remarks, within a summit focused on strategic communications, further underscores the significance of controlling and shaping narratives in the geopolitical arena. Furthermore, his comments on Azerbaijani-Turkish relations underscore the deepening ties and shared strategic interests between the two nations. The invocation of cooperation in AI suggests that both countries recognize the potential of this technology not only for economic development but also for addressing security challenges, including the fight against disinformation.