Sociology of Russophilia in Azerbaijan: A Classification for Russophile Social Groups

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2024.8.4.307

Abstract

Azerbaijan, which has long historical, cultural, and political and economic relations with Russia, has various Russophile social groups formed during the period of independence. This study aims to classify the Russophile social groups in Azerbaijan and generalize their characteristics, naming each social group according to its motivation. In this regard, according to the results of the research conducted among Azerbaijanis over the age of 18 in 2022–2023, there are six Russophile social groups in Azerbaijan, which can be called Ethnic Russians, Russian-educated, Communists, Nostalgics, Dependents, and Iranophiles. Each of these social groups has different motivations and different characteristics in relation to Russia and Russian culture. This gives a reason to suggest that there is a mosaic view in relation to Russia and Russian culture in Azerbaijan. According to results of the research, social groups in Azerbaijan exhibit a shared desire for improved relations with Russia and a common interest in promoting the Russian language. Anti-American sentiments pervade some groups, signaling a geopolitical alignment away from the West. Notable differences include Iranophiles’ religious ties to Iran, Dependents’ economic focus on Russia, and varied emphases among Nostalgists, Communists, Russian-educated, and Ethnic Russians, reflecting nuanced geopolitical perspectives within the overarching Russophile sentiment.

Author Biography

Jahandar Jabarov, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye

Jahandar Jabarov received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and his Master’s degree in Political Sociology from the Istanbul University. He is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Sociology at the Istanbul University. His research interests encompass political communication and propaganda, the social impact of ethnophilia, issues related to methodology in the social sciences, and the relationship between culture and politics within the context of political sociology.

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Published
2024-12-28
How to Cite
Jabarov, J. (2024). Sociology of Russophilia in Azerbaijan: A Classification for Russophile Social Groups. Changing Societies & Personalities, 8(4), 942–963. doi:10.15826/csp.2024.8.4.307
Citation Formats
Issue
Vol. 8, No. 4 (2024)
Section
Articles