This collection is dedicated to the materials of the international conference organized by the Department of "International Relations and Foreign Policy" of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The materials represent a valuable contribution to the understanding and development of key issues related to the constitutional-legal concept of sovereignty and foreign policy in the context of global challenges.

The theme of the conference, "The Constitutional-Legal Concept of Sovereignty and Foreign Policy: Azerbaijan in the Context of Global Challenges," is one of the most relevant topics for contemporary science and practice of public administration, as well as for understanding how Azerbaijan responds to the challenges it faces within the framework of international law and political reality.

In the modern world, the concept and essence of sovereignty is becoming increasingly relevant. At the beginning of the 21st century, it is inevitably linked to the issues of globalization, the strengthening of interstate interdependence, transnational activity, and the interference of external factors in the internal affairs of countries. Sovereignty, as a fundamental principle of international law and domestic governance, remains significant, but at the same time, it is increasingly facing challenges that require a reassessment, rethinking, and even adjustment of established approaches to its implementation. Azerbaijan, as an independent state, since the moment of the restoration of its state independence, has always faced the task of affirming and defending its sovereignty. This task becomes especially relevant in the context of a complex geopolitical situation, the country’s geographic location, and its integration into the international political and economic system.

Azerbaijan's foreign policy, which is focused on protecting national interests and maintaining internal stability, is an integral part of the strategy to strengthen state sovereignty. The foreign policy of our country is characterized by multi-level and multifaceted approaches, which include both traditional diplomatic interaction with states and active participation in international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, CIS, as well as involvement in regional initiatives and projects.

The theme of the conference covers a wide range of issues that reflect not only the legal and political aspects of sovereignty but also their connection to the internal and external challenges faced by states in the context of global instability. It is important to note that today sovereignty is no longer perceived as something absolute and independent of the international context. The growing number of international agreements, countries' participation in global economic and political processes, as well as emerging threats such as terrorism, cyber threats, and climate change, require states to balance national interests with international obligations.

For Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of East and West, Europe and Asia, the strategic significance of sovereignty lies in its ability to effectively defend its national interests amidst numerous international challenges and threats. Our country, being connected by many historical, cultural, and economic ties with neighboring states, is simultaneously working actively to strengthen its position in the global community, understanding the importance of foreign policy aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence, stability, and progress in the region.

It should be noted that the policy of innovative, knowledge-based development implemented in the country is an important factor in ensuring the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Data published in 2023-2025 by the World Economic Forum (Geneva), the World Bank (Washington), and other international development institutions indicate that the new public administration technologies implemented by the country's President, Ilham Aliyev, have ensured that the Republic of Azerbaijan is currently a global leader in the effective use of material and human resources to achieve the goals of energy transition and the building of a sustainably developing, inclusive society. These achievements and their recognition by the international community are key factors in the sovereign development of the country.

The materials presented in this publication are the result of in-depth scientific research, constructive discussions, and practical analyses proposed by conference participants from nine countries, including both scholars and practicing experts in the fields of public administration, international relations, jurisprudence, as well as representatives of public and private institutions. Each author has contributed to addressing relevant issues related to the constitutional-legal understanding of sovereignty, the analysis of foreign policy activities, and the development of practical recommendations for civil service and international bodies.

The main objective of this collection is to create a platform for further in-depth analysis and reflection on the role of sovereignty in the context of contemporary geopolitical and economic realities. We aimed to cover both the theoretical aspects of the concept of sovereignty and the practical significance of the legal and political mechanisms that ensure its implementation in the real political and economic life of the state.

The materials presented in this collection can serve as a valuable source of information for a wide range of specialists, researchers, and students interested in the constitutional-legal foundations of state independence and foreign policy.

They will provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of sovereignty in the modern, rapidly changing global landscape, as well as deepen the reader's understanding of the relationship between internal state sovereignty and external relations on the world stage.

In turn, we hope that these materials will provide practical assistance to those directly involved in foreign economic activity, international law, diplomacy, and international relations, as well as to those working to improve the institutions of state power in Azerbaijan and other countries.

Certainly, the significance of the conference as a scientific and practical platform, where theoretical and practical issues related to sovereignty, international security, and foreign policy are discussed, cannot be overestimated. We are confident that the discussions and conclusions made during this conference will continue to inspire and influence the further development of science and practice in the fields of public administration, international relations, and international law.

We thank all the participants of the conference for their valuable ideas and suggestions, and we hope that the materials of this collection will make an important contribution to the theory and practice of public policy, serve as a foundation for further research, and help develop new effective strategies for achieving sustainable development of the Republic of Azerbaijan and ensuring its national security in the contemporary context.

Urkhan K. ALAKBAROV (Azerbaijan), academician, rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan