Systemic Toxic Exposure in a Transitional Economy: Epidemiology and Institutional Gaps in Azerbaijan

In 2025, the total volume of waste in Azerbaijan reached 4,426.4 thousand tons, marking a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year. This indicates not only the expansion of economic activity in the country but also a rise in environmental pressures. Waste management is no longer solely an environmental issue; it has evolved into a complex field requiring economic, technological, and institutional transformation. In particular, serious challenges remain in the management of hazardous waste.

A rare wave of critical reporting in Azerbaijan’s pro-government media has drawn attention to Prime Minister Ali Asadov, prompting analysts to question elite dynamics within a tightly controlled political system, even as officials publicly project stability in economic and foreign policy activity.

Long-term research and observations show that in recent years, as a result of global climate change, the frequency and intensity of extremely hot weather, heavy rainfall, and hail events have increased in Azerbaijan.

The war in Iran has exposed a number of serious security challenges that will remain at the center of attention for countries in the region in the coming years. This is the general view of several military experts who shared their assessments with Turan analysts.