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Caspian Basin Studies Program

Caspian Basin Studies (CBS) is a certificate program that offers a unique opportunity for foreign diplomats and civil servants to explore and study in depth the Caspian Basin region. CBS provides participants with knowledge about the region's diverse and rich history and culture, demographic makeup, ethnic and territorial conflicts, trade and economic affairs, and issues of geopolitics and regional security. The program is designed to equip participants with a wide variety of analytical tools to help them better analyze and explain the intertwined and complex relationships that exist among the regional states. 

Courses are taught by ADA University full-time professors, as well as practitioners from government agencies, international organizations and local think-tanks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan hosts a study tour at the end of program.

We have trained 278 alumni from 106 countries through the Caspian Basin Studies Program. Foreign diplomats and civil servants participating in the Program not only acquire solid knowledge, but also build and expand their network with public and private sector leaders of Azerbaijan and other countries in the region. They make new acquaintances with practitioners from government agencies, international organizations, local NGOs, and independent think-tanks.

The program includes field trips to Azerbaijan's oil and natural gas facilities along the Caspian Sea coast, including the Sangachal Terminal, and other historical towns along the Ancient Silk Road.

At the end of the program, all participants receive an ADA University Executive Education certificate of completion.

  • MODULES ▾

    The modules explore the Caspian region's economic growth, foreign policy, societal changes, and energy dynamics. Participants examine challenges like resource management, regional security, and environmental concerns while gaining practical insights through discussions and site visits.

    • MODULE 1 – Economics and Development
      • This Module focuses on the economic development patterns of the Caspian states and unique challenges that their economies face. It offers a critical assessment of the impact of resource abundance on the economic growth patterns in the region and highlight alternative strategies for the development of a regional non-oil economy. Participants will examine the transition economies of regional countries in comparative perspectives and evaluate the role of natural resources in the economies of the resource-rich states.

    • MODULE 2 – Foreign Policy, Geopolitics, and Security
      • This Module provides a comparative examination of topics related to foreign policy-making, geopolitics, and security issues in the Caspian region. Participants study institutions and foreign policy-making processes and factors influencing the foreign policy of individual Caspian states. The Module investigates interstate relations and regional security challenges, including ethnic and territorial conflicts.

    • MODULE 3 – Politics and Society
      • This Module covers issues associated with political and societal transformation in the Caspian region since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It focuses on political developments in the regional states and challenges faced by the governments in the reform process. It examines concepts including, but not limited to, state formation, religion, and demographics as they apply to the Caspian basin region in general and Azerbaijan in particular. The Module includes presentations and discussions on transition and democracy as well as human rights and civil society.

    • MODULE 4 – Energy and Environment
      • This Module surveys the dynamics of Caspian energy production and export and developments in recent energy politics. Participants learn about major oil and gas exploration projects in the region and look at different country strategies with respect to energy security. The Module also covers issues related to the environments and ecosystems of the Caspian Sea. Participants have an opportunity to visit one of the energy sites in Baku as a part of this Module.

Caspian Basin Studies Program, Alumni 2024

Caspian Basin Studies Program represents a superb opportunity for foreign researchers and diplomats to learn about Azerbaijan and the Caspian basin region as a whole. The program encompasses all the areas necessary for a deep understanding of the region, with a special focus on international relations, international politics, and security. The formal part of the program is permeated with extraordinarily organized tours and gatherings, which create an excellent ambiance for networking, additional discussions, and exchange of opinions and experiences. The knowledge gained during this program is invaluable for all research in social sciences and humanities related to this region. Completion of this program is a huge milestone in one's career.

Ms. Milena Tasic
Corporate Secretary, Association of Institutes of Serbia; Licensed Mediator, Republic Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes. (Serbia)

Caspian Basin Studies Program, Alumni 2024

The Caspian Basin Studies Program was an eye-opening event for me so much so that now I can easily say that I have a more accurate picture of the neighborhood and better understand the geopolitical dynamics of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus region after having attended the program. This was one of a kind and a very rich academic program that besides political scientists, we had a chance to interact with Azerbaijani diplomats, parliamentarians, and other officials.
The Karabakh visit and seeing liberated towns and cities, too, was a life-changing trip. In addition to witnessing Armenian atrocities during the occupation, this trip showed us how reconstruction projects, peace-building and even trust-building efforts that Azerbaijan has initiated since scoring a historic victory in November 2020, can promise a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Mr. Ahmad Hashemi
Research Fellow, Hudson Institute, focus on Iran, Azerbaijan, and Middle Eastern Foreign Policy issues. (USA)