Dr. Anar Valiyev is an Associate Professor of Urban and Public Affairs at ADA University in Baku, Azerbaijan, with more than 18 years of experience in higher education. His research focuses on public policy, urban development, governance, and post-Soviet regional affairs. He holds a PhD in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of Louisville and has published widely on urbanisation, policy reform, and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus and beyond. This week, commonspace.eu spoke with Dr. Valiyev in Brussels ahead of a roundtable jointly organised by LINKS Europe Foundation and the European Policy Centre. He is taking part in a panel discussion focusing on the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process, its implications for both countries and the wider region, the involvement of the European Union and the United States, and the challenges that lie ahead. In this interview, he reflects on how his research has evolved over nearly two decades in academia, examines the transformative potential of regional connectivity and trade, discusses the strategic role of energy in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, and highlights the importance of people-to-people ties through education as a form of long-term soft power. (Read the full interview by clicking on the image above)

This week marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked attack and invasion of Ukraine, sparking a deadly European war. Despite the fact that only Ukrainian soldiers are fighting the Russian aggression, this war is a European war. Its outcome will have consequences throughout the continent. This has been a deadly war. Tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides have been  killed. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been displaced. The cost of the war unleashed by Vladimir Putin, in human, social and financial terms have been enormous, and cannot be accurately calculated as long as the fighting continues. The war in Ukraine must end this year! This can only happen if there is enough pressure on Putin’s Russia. Europe must sustain and increase its support for Ukraine. Fortunately leaders of the main European governments: France, Germany, UK and Poland are convinced of the importance of this, but they need to ensure the resolve of others, and of the European public. The support of the US is essential. Trump can end the war, not by agreeing to Russia’s terms, but by increasing pressure on Russia. There is still widespread support for Ukraine in American body-politic. Now is the time to show it. Ones the fighting stops the challenging task of rebuilding Ukraine – not just the infrastructure, but also the spirit of the Ukrainian nation – starts. In this Europe must lead, and EU accession is major and essential step that must happen quickly. Ukraine is a big country, damaged by war, and the EU will not digest it easily. For Europe however this is the ultimate test which it must pass honourable. And finally, once the guns are silent, what to do with Russia. Russia is too big, too important, and too close, to be ignored. However, under Putin Russia will remain a danger for its neighbours, for Europe, and ultimately, for the world. Relations with Russia will have to be re-invented. Europe must never again deal with Russia from a position of weakness or dependence. The decision of Finland and Sweden to abandon neutrality and join NATO, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has shown the way. A strong Europe can open a new dialogue with Moscow. But after Ukraine, trust will take a long time to build. (click the image to read the full Monday Commentary).