The dissolution of the Soviet Union into independent states was among the most momentous political phenomena of the twentieth century. This book provides the first comprehensive study of Azerbaijan's post-independence foreign policy in relation to its much stronger neighbours - Russia, Turkey and Iran - and the role that the West brought to bear in helping Azerbaijan to counterbalance the influence of Russia. Complex and subtle diplomatic negotiations enabled the exploitation of Azerbaijan's substantial oil and gas resources and the implementation of transit projects that Azerbaijan's leadership considered critical - the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline bypassing Russia being one example. The case of Azerbaijan demonstrates how in the post-Cold War order a small state has been able to advance its interests internationally even when they contradicted those of the hegemon. The book includes a wealth of new sources and extensive interviews with national policymakers and experts. _x000D_ _x000D_ 'Nazrin Mehdiyeva is a first-class analyst of both foreign policy and the energy sector and an outstanding specialist on Azerbaijan. She brings that diverse expertise together in this very readable and illuminating book'_x000D_ - Archie Brown, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Oxford University and author of 'The Rise and Fall of Communism'.