Ilham Aliyev: The architect of regional destruction and a threat to Global Peace

Ilham Aliyev's recent remarks, made on January 7, 2025, in an interview with media representatives, reflect a dangerous and irresponsible escalation of rhetoric that is both an affront to history and an assault on international peace and stability. These comments, laden with dangerous ideologies, reveal the true nature of his leadership— a leadership that places Azerbaijan at the forefront of regional destabilisation and, quite frankly, a direct threat to global security.

The assertion by Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev that "independent Armenia is essentially fascist", claiming that Armenian leaders have adhered to a fascist ideology for the past three decades, is an outrageous distortion of history. To accuse a nation and its people, whose very survival was shaped by the trauma of genocide and occupation, of embodying fascism is not only profoundly offensive but also devoid of historical accuracy. Armenia, a nation that endured the horrors of the 1915 Genocide, remains an emblem of resistance against totalitarian ideologies — exactly the antithesis of what Aliyev claims.

However, it is Aliyev himself who, in September 2023, unleashed the horrors of ethnic cleansing against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. The mass displacement and brutal killings that followed revealed not only his blatant disregard for human life but also his embrace of fascistic tactics. By ordering these atrocities, Aliyev placed himself in the same category as those who perpetrated some of the most heinous crimes against humanity in the 20th century. His actions are the acts of a war criminal — an individual who stands in defiance of every principle of international law.

Aliyev’s recent statements, in which he asserts that “fascism must be eradicated”, are not mere empty threats; they are clear calls for violence. To demand that Armenian leadership step down or face military action is not a call for peace; it is a declaration of war. His words are a direct violation of the United Nations Charter, specifically Articles 2(3) and 2(4), which call for the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use of force. Aliyev’s ongoing threats demonstrate that he is prepared to escalate the situation into full-scale military conflict rather than seek any form of diplomatic resolution. This is nothing short of an attack on the very notion of peace and diplomacy.

Aliyev’s tendency to frame dialogue as futile is also a dangerous and unconstructive approach. His claims that "dialogue with Armenia has failed for decades" and that Armenia’s use of negotiations was merely a "smokescreen for occupation" are deliberate misrepresentations of the conflict. These statements ignore the complexity of the situation and the responsibility of both parties in the standoff. By insisting on the one-sided narrative of Azerbaijani victimhood and Armenian guilt, Aliyev further entrenches the divide, making any path to reconciliation impossible.

Moreover, Aliyev’s offensive against France is a direct attack on any semblance of international impartiality. His accusations that French politicians are "supporting Armenian interests to the detriment of Azerbaijan" are baseless and an insult to the diplomatic efforts of a sovereign nation. Such accusations only serve to weaken the prospects for dialogue and reinforce the authoritarian narrative that dominates Aliyev’s governance. His unwillingness to accept any outside perspective but his own isolates Azerbaijan diplomatically and undermines any meaningful attempts at conflict resolution.

Aliyev's constant glorification of Azerbaijan as the sole legitimate regional power, emphasising the notion of a "new world order" and "true leadership", reveals his deep-seated nationalism. He seeks to project Azerbaijan as an isolated power, indifferent to international norms and willing to operate outside the boundaries of global cooperation. This vision may play well within his own borders, stoking nationalist fervour, but it has dire consequences for the region and for global peace.

The situation is clear: Ilham Aliyev is not merely a leader with questionable policies— he is a direct threat to peace and international law. His government is culpable in the destruction of human rights and the pursuit of fascistic ideologies under the guise of territorial integrity. These actions have violated international treaties and escalated tensions in a region already fragile due to years of conflict. Under Aliyev’s regime, Azerbaijan has become a symbol of aggression, nationalism, and inhumanity.

Ilham Aliyev must be held accountable for the atrocities committed under his leadership. His rhetoric alone qualifies him for scrutiny under international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and the International Criminal Court, which prosecute crimes against humanity. His actions in Artsakh and his blatant disregard for peace and diplomacy place him in the same category as leaders responsible for the most tragic episodes of the XX/XXI c.

A tribunal to address his role in these crimes is not an option — it is an imperative.

The international community cannot afford to allow this madness to continue unchecked. The time has come to confront Ilham Aliyev, not simply for his actions in Artsakh, but for his broader assault on peace, justice, and the rule of law. The fascist rhetoric that Aliyev peddles today can no longer be dismissed as mere political posturing. It is a dangerous ideology that threatens the stability of the South Caucasus and undermines international peace.

Ilham Aliyev’s regime represents the very antithesis of the values the international community has fought for since the end of World War II. His leadership threatens not only the future of Armenia and Azerbaijan but also the larger global order. It is time to hold him accountable — through sanctions, international pressure, and ultimately a tribunal. The world must not let history repeat itself.

Ararat Petrosyan is Deputy Editor in Chief of Armenpress.

READ MORE: Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean: Geopolitical Dilemmas For Greece.