California Leaders Urged to Champion US-Azerbaijan Ties

Opinion: New diplomatic momentum in the South Caucasus offers opportunities for California to advance American interests.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A new opinion piece argues that members of Congress from California can become champions of the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship in a way that advances American interests in Eurasia. The author, an expert on South American geopolitics, says California's influence in the Caucasus region has often been channeled in one direction - away from cooperation. But the current White House-led breakthrough in the region matters not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also for Sacramento and Silicon Valley.

Why it matters

California is home to more than half of the Armenian diaspora population in the U.S., and for decades members of Congress from the state have helped perpetuate Armenia's illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territory. However, the author argues that leaders across California now have an opportunity to write a new chapter by championing the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship, which could open new markets for California-based companies and broaden cultural awareness.

The details

The opinion piece highlights the recent diplomatic progress between the U.S., Azerbaijan, and Armenia, including a peace agreement brokered by the White House in August 2025. This has led to increased engagement, with multiple senior delegations traveling between the countries. Equally important, the author notes, is the growing people-to-people dimension, with Azerbaijani civil society representatives currently visiting Armenia. Expanding cultural and educational exchange between California and Azerbaijan could allow both populations to transcend stereotypes and build cooperation through shared experiences.

  • In August 2025, President Donald Trump brought together Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and helped move their long-simmering conflict toward a durable settlement.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance visited Azerbaijan in February 2026 to sign a strategic partnership agreement.
  • Since last August, there have been at least four senior Azerbaijani delegations to the U.S. and multiple American delegations to Azerbaijan.

The players

Nikol Pashinyan

The Prime Minister of Armenia.

Ilham Aliyev

The President of Azerbaijan.

J.D. Vance

The Vice President of the United States.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States.

Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade

A senior Azerbaijani official who visited the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“Can the U.S. still translate power into durable outcomes? In the south Caucasus, the answer is increasingly taking shape.”

— Peter Tase, Founder, Azerbaijan-United States Economic and Education Council (Times of San Diego)

“Beyond diplomacy and trade corridors, one of the most enduring foundations for peace and long-term partnership is cultural and educational exchange.”

— Peter Tase, Founder, Azerbaijan-United States Economic and Education Council (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.