Azerbaijan Grapples with Persistent Disinformation Campaigns in Post-War Era
ISTANBUL – Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, addressed the persistent challenge of disinformation campaigns targeting Azerbaijan, even after the conclusion of the 2020 Patriotic War. Speaking at the Stratcom Summit ’24 in Istanbul during a panel discussion on "AI and Strategic Development: A Vision for Azerbaijan’s Future," Hajiyev highlighted the ongoing dissemination of false narratives by Western and Armenian media outlets. These campaigns, he noted, have specifically focused on distorting the realities of the Second Karabakh War, subsequent anti-terror operations, and even Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, demonstrating a sustained effort to undermine the country’s image and achievements. Hajiyev emphasized that this disinformation policy continues to pose a significant challenge to Azerbaijan, requiring proactive measures to counter its negative impact.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Combat Disinformation and Protect National Interests
In response to the escalating disinformation threat, Azerbaijan has turned to artificial intelligence as a critical tool in its defense arsenal. Hajiyev underscored the country’s commitment to leveraging AI technology to identify, analyze, and debunk false narratives circulating in the media and online. By employing advanced algorithms and data analysis techniques, Azerbaijan aims to expose disinformation campaigns, trace their origins, and hold those responsible accountable. This strategic approach reflects the government’s recognition of the pervasive nature of disinformation in the digital age and the need for sophisticated tools to protect its national interests and maintain a factual and balanced information landscape.
Disinformation as a Key Obstacle in Azerbaijani-Armenian Negotiations
The issue of disinformation, Hajiyev revealed, has also become a significant point of contention in the ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He noted that Azerbaijan has consistently raised concerns about the spread of false information by Armenian sources, which often fuels animosity and hinders progress towards a peaceful resolution. This manipulation of information, Hajiyev argued, undermines trust-building measures and complicates efforts to achieve a lasting settlement. Addressing this issue directly in the negotiation process underscores Azerbaijan’s determination to create a conducive environment for constructive dialogue based on factual accuracy and mutual respect.
Strengthening Azerbaijani-Turkish Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Strategic Communication
Hajiyev also emphasized the robust and multifaceted relationship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, particularly in the realm of strategic communication and the use of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the close cooperation between the two countries in developing and deploying AI technologies to address shared security challenges, including the fight against disinformation. This collaborative approach, he noted, strengthens both nations’ ability to counter malicious information campaigns and promote regional stability. Hajiyev further underscored the importance of this partnership within the broader framework of the Organization of Turkic States, fostering a collective approach to tackling emerging threats in the digital sphere.
Azerbaijan’s Vision for AI-Driven Development and Strategic Communication
Looking towards the future, Hajiyev outlined Azerbaijan’s vision for harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to drive national development and enhance its strategic communication capabilities. He emphasized the importance of investing in AI research and development, fostering innovation in the tech sector, and building a robust infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of AI across various sectors. This strategic focus on AI, he argued, will not only bolster Azerbaijan’s economic competitiveness but also equip the nation with the tools necessary to navigate the complex information landscape and effectively counter disinformation threats.
Combating Disinformation: A Priority for Regional Stability and International Cooperation
Hajiyev concluded his remarks by emphasizing the global nature of the disinformation challenge and calling for greater international cooperation to address this growing threat. He stressed that the spread of false information transcends national borders, posing a risk to stability and undermining democratic values worldwide. He urged nations to work together to develop shared strategies, share best practices, and implement effective measures to combat disinformation campaigns. This collaborative approach, he argued, is essential to fostering a more secure and transparent information environment that promotes peace, understanding, and informed decision-making. Hajiyev’s participation at the Stratcom Summit ’24 provided a valuable platform for Azerbaijan to highlight its commitment to combating disinformation, showcase its innovative use of AI, and advocate for greater international collaboration in addressing this critical challenge.