Writing in Stars and Stripes about an evolving policy of secularism in the nation of Azerbaijan, Dr. Ivan Sascha Sheehan, interim dean of The University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs and professor in the School of Public and International Affairs, says a long-term strategy of supporting the policy may best serve American interests in both that country and elsewhere in the region. The Republic of Azerbaijan is a neighbor to both Turkey and Iran, and it has been an ally during a period of regional turmoil.
Prof. Sheehan says the country recently changed its education law to reinforce secularism and a school dress code that has, according to some, been oppressive toward religious groups, including in some cases a rule against the wearing of the hijab. He points out that in 2024, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom called for Azerbaijan to be labeled a "country of particular concern": To that organization, the establishment of a policy of secularism was, and continues to be, seen as oppressive.
However, Dr. Sheehan writes, "Equating a secular Muslim partner like Azerbaijan with nations like Iran and Russia, which appear on the 2024 list, fails to recognize the profound differences between a moderate ally and severely oppressive states."
Being accepting of secularism, he says, "serves American interests: it is the best defense against both theocracy and political Islamism."
He notes that in neighboring Iran, the sudden and violent introduction of a theocratic dictatorship in 1979 has led to years of brutality: "The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of the Islamic Republic's Guidance Patrols, often referred to as the morality police, while in custody for 'improperly' wearing her hijab triggered the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom movement and the countrywide anti-regime unrest that followed."
In Azerbaijan, he concludes, "the U.S. penchant for becoming overinvolved in the internal affairs of friends and allies may be counterproductive."
Read Dr. Sheehan's opinion piece in Stars and Stripes.
Learn more about Prof. Ivan Sascha Sheehan and The University of Baltimore's College of Public Affairs.