The nature of leadership implies patronage over people, especially the most vulnerable groups. Regardless of the scale of leadership being discussed, the most important thing is that the person endowed with leadership qualities does not betray the hopes of those who have entrusted their fate to them. It’s often said that words are invented to disguise lies, and this can be debated. However, people of honor and action often speak less and do more. It’s not necessary to constantly make grandiose declarations and ideas before the public. The key is to correctly guide followers, choose the shortest paths to the set goals, and give people hope and confidence through real change.
There is no doubt that the current global trend of growing chaos is closely linked to the sharp decline in the number of true leaders. Heads of states and governments, as well as leaders of international institutions, either fail to fulfill their responsibilities or do not desire positive changes. There is a noticeable lack of enthusiasm and creative action among the majority of those in power.
Meanwhile, national societies and the global community continue to demand solutions to pressing political, social, and humanitarian problems, which together create significant tension. This tension often results in protracted crises, creating fertile ground for new conflicts. For some time now, in Western countries, the general electorate has expressed acute dissatisfaction with the inability of leaders to solve regional and global problems. Discontent with those in power continues to grow, but this does not increase the capabilities of those being criticized.
The indecisiveness of political figures and their tolerant approach to critical issues often leads to the eruption of protest movements, bringing with them a host of new troubles. Often, the victors of electoral processes, having secured the votes of the electorate, willingly distance themselves from those to whom they owe their political success.
Not only do these individuals, who find themselves in positions of power, easily abandon their own promises once they rise to the top, but they sometimes intentionally dismantle existing systems, creating new problems for the majority. They simply betray their followers, turning toward corporate interests.
There are more than enough examples of this. Classic examples of political bankruptcy in the eyes of the public include U.S. President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, who systematically increase not only their personal failures but also their obligations to the global community. If the former appears as a respectable president to his family and party clan, the latter has become notorious as a fierce opponent of the protest masses in his country, as well as a greater supporter of Armenia than even Nikol Pashinyan.
These and other similar leaders of various countries do not burden themselves with addressing the current issues of their states or the global arena. Instead of mobilizing resources and capabilities, they focus on silencing critics who can see the root causes of the growing, dangerously destructive crises.
In reality, they appear incapable of working and acting in the interests of national forces and future generations. In contrast, the world welcomes with relief and approval leaders of a new formation who can act effectively not only in the interests of their own electorate but also in the interests of the global community. Their real contribution to international integration through the initiation of universal economic and social programs helps reduce tensions and strengthen the foundations of security.
Recently, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has faced pressure from Western political circles, despite his established reputation as a successful reformer and effective integrator. This is all a result of his monumental efforts to elevate cooperation to a higher level.
According to foreign experts and opinion leaders, the Azerbaijani leader is always characterized by modesty, restraint, and decisiveness in useful actions. So why is he criticized by his detractors?
This question is not rhetorical but quite specific, and there is an answer. In difficult conditions, when challenging moments arise due to overcoming complex barriers, extraordinary individuals break through seemingly insurmountable walls, while the majority is left to pick up the pieces. This is where unhealthy emotions, envy, and malice begin to fester.
Ilham Aliyev is one of the few contemporary political figures who managed to brilliantly carry out the counter-offensive operation of the Azerbaijani army, thereby ending years of Armenian occupation of national territories.
He restored Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, drawing on the unwavering support of his people. He succeeded in protecting not only his country but also the region from unhealthy influences that emerged and continue to manifest in the post-war realities. Defending the homeland from all forms of encroachment and from hostile forces has become the essence of a clear foreign policy that proves effective in every aspect. Stability is the guarantor of economic viability, which is why integration is accelerating in Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus, benefiting many countries.
Azerbaijan’s trusted friends include Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, leaders of Turkic states, and other successful political and national leaders who have established themselves as responsible and productive figures. Their ability to build constructive relations between nations allows them to strengthen strategic resources in turbulent regions, thereby expanding the security belt.
It is noteworthy that the leaders embodying a healthy image of modern politicians share the same values and adhere to sound priorities. They hold traditional family values, national traditions, and loyalty to the foundations of national identity dear. Their loyalty to their countries does not prevent them from thinking and acting in a supranational spirit, defending the interests of needy nations, and assisting underdeveloped states. Perhaps this is why the liberal West has begun to exert pressure on leaders who know how to defend national interests? It seems so…
Azerbaijan and its friendly states have experienced nearly identical forms of pressure from the West, which, by definition, cannot tolerate the independence of national elites. Numerous attempts to stage color revolutions in sovereign countries have failed precisely because the leaders rely on the support of the masses, know how to engage in dialogue with their compatriots, and, finally, are attentive state leaders.
On this foundation, the energy of co-creation multiplies, bonds of trust are strengthened, and this is a sure sign of self-sufficiency, which true leaders’ detractors so sorely lack. They have no time for the petty traits of small leaders. They have clear plans and firm intentions in the realm of creation. This is what matters most.
Tofik Abbasov
Translated from minval.az
