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# Europe’s Tech Dilemma: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path Forward

Europe finds itself at a crossroads in the digital age, grappling with the dominance of American and Chinese tech giants across critical sectors like search engines, cloud infrastructure, social media, and artificial intelligence. This dependency raises questions about whether Europe can forge its own tech giants and how its regulatory actions are shaping the landscape.

## The Dominance of Big Tech in Europe

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Despite being home to a vibrant continent, Europe lags far behind in the digital economy. Over **90% of the search engine market in Europe** is controlled by U.S.-based companies, with Google commanding an overwhelming share. Small European players like Ecosia, which is Berlin-based and uses profits to plant trees, represent the exception rather than the rule.

Similarly, in cloud infrastructure—integral to streaming, social media, and web hosting—American giants like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud control approximately **70% of the market**. European firms such as SAP, Deutsche Telekom, and OVHcloud hold a modest **15%**, highlighting the lingering dominance of U.S. infrastructure.

## Social Media and AI: European Struggles

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Social media remains almost entirely non-European, with giants like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter dominating around **75% of the market**. European alternatives like Mastodon (Germany) and Vero (UK) exist but are barely visible in comparison.

When it comes to artificial intelligence, especially large language models (LLMs), the disparity is stark. Companies like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot hold more than **93% of the European market**, with few indigenous contenders like France’s Mistral. Yet, less than **1% of Europeans currently use Mistral**, reflecting its nascent stage.

## The Chip Conundrum: No European Manufacturing

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Europe faces a significant challenge in hardware production. High-end chip manufacturing—the backbone of AI models, self-driving cars, and other advanced tech—is concentrated among TSMC in Taiwan, Samsung in South Korea, and Intel in the U.S. Europe has no facilities capable of producing cutting-edge chips at 5-nanometer technology or beyond.

However, Europe does lead in building **EUUV machines**—the crucial equipment used to etch advanced circuits onto chips. The Dutch company ASML is the only manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines that are essential for producing the world’s most advanced chips. Without ASML, the AI and semiconductor industries would face a serious bottleneck, underscoring Europe's quiet but vital role in the global supply chain.

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## Europe's Regulatory Arsenal: Protecting Citizens and Limiting Big Tech

In response to the dominance of Big Tech, Europe has implemented a series of groundbreaking regulations. Starting with **GDPR (2018)**, which enforces strict data privacy standards and imposes fines of up to 4% of global revenue for violations, the EU aims to safeguard citizen rights.

In 2024, the **Digital Markets Act (DMA)** targets unfair practices by large platforms—prohibiting self-preferencing and mandating openness to competitors. Alongside it, the **Digital Services Act (DSA)** focuses on platform responsibility, aiming to combat illegal content, increase algorithm transparency, and curb disinformation.

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Looking ahead, Europe's ambitious **AI Act** (scheduled for 2025) seeks to regulate high-risk AI systems, banning invasive practices like biometric surveillance. These measures demonstrate Europe's commitment to ethics and human rights over unchecked tech overreach.

## The Limits of Regulation: Small Firms and Innovation Hurdles

While these regulations aim to protect citizens, their implementation has unintended consequences. Large corporations possess the resources to navigate compliance easily, whereas small European startups face ballooning costs. A 2018 study revealed that post-GDPR, profits at big firms fell by 4.6%, but small firms experienced declines exceeding 12%. The cost of legal compliance, licensing, and red tape discourages innovation and drives startups to the U.S.

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Additionally, Europe's fragmented market—characterized by multiple languages, national laws, taxes, and consumer habits—impedes scale-up efforts. The absence of a unified Silicon Valley-like hub leads to a brain drain, with top talent and companies migrating to the U.S. in search of better funding, opportunities, and growth avenues.

## Funding Gaps and Cultural Barriers

Europe’s venture capital scene is significantly smaller than that of the U.S., with European startups raising between $45-$52 billion in 2024 compared to nearly $139 billion in the U.S. Government-backed research agencies like DARPA and NASA have historically fueled American tech breakthroughs, but Europe lacks a similar large-scale engine for early innovation.

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Culturally, Europe’s risk-averse mindset and negative perception of failure hinder entrepreneurial endeavors. Over 50% of Europeans see business failure as shameful, compared to 27% in the U.S. This cultural barrier discourages risk-taking and widespread startup risks, further hampering the continent's innovation potential.

## Europe’s Strategic Initiatives: Toward Independence and Innovation

Recognizing these challenges, Europe has launched strategic initiatives to catch up. Reforms aim to simplify regulations like GDPR for small companies and ease AI compliance to prevent overregulation choking innovation.

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Financial investments include the **Choose Europe** and **Scale-Up Europe Fund**, designed to support emerging startups and foster unicorns. Notably, the **EU Chips Act** (€43 billion) seeks to increase domestic semiconductor manufacturing and double Europe’s share of global chip production by 2030.

The union also plans to unify its capital markets through the **Capital Markets Union**, making it easier for companies to raise funds across borders, mirroring the depth and efficiency of the U.S. financial system.

Private initiatives like **EuroStack** and **Gaia-X** aim to build a **European digital sovereignty ecosystem**, focusing on open standards and data control, critical for creating a resilient, independent tech infrastructure.

## The Road Ahead: Building European Tech Giants

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Europe’s future in technology hinges on rapid reforms and strategic investments. Deregulating certain industries, lowering compliance burdens for startups, and removing market fragmentation are essential first steps. Building a robust ecosystem—supported by innovation-friendly policies and sufficient funding—could enable Europe to produce its own tech giants.

The time is now for Europe to embrace its potential, harnessing regulation as a tool for growth rather than rigidity, and fostering an environment where homegrown companies can thrive on the global stage.

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*Europe’s technological renaissance isn’t just a distant dream; it’s a challenge that can be met through concerted effort, smart policy, and innovative spirit. The blueprint for independence is evolving—are we ready to build a future where Europe leads, not just follows?*

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# Inside the Unspoken Rules of Wall Street: A Longform Overview

## Hollywood vs. Reality: Understanding the True Nature of High Finance

Many people are familiar with Hollywood portrayals of finance—think *The Wolf of Wall Street* and its depiction of wild parties, drugs, and excess. However, the reality of working on Wall Street diverges significantly from these sensationalized images. Goric Ing, a Harvard career advisor and a former investment banker, sheds light on the unspoken rules and cultural nuances that define true high finance.

## The Concept of Studied Informality

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Success on Wall Street hinges on what sociologists call *studied informality*. This involves mastering a particular style of speech and conduct that conveys intelligence without arrogance, approachability without naivety, and confidence without threat. Essentially, it's about having a polished upper-middle-class demeanor—avoiding show-offs and not going overboard to appear cool or try-hard. The balance is delicate but crucial in navigating the industry’s social landscape.

## The Importance of Cultural Fit and Observation

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Wall Street’s unspoken rules aren’t directly stated; instead, they’re learned through subtle cues and observation. Ing recounts a manager telling him, “You just have to get it,” meaning you should pay attention to how others conduct themselves and emulate them. For new entrants, this learning process involves careful *left-right* glances and mimicking the behaviors of successful peers—particularly how they speak, dress, and interact.

## The Power of Subtle Communication Skills

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A concrete example from Ing’s early days involved the importance of pacing your speech during meetings. Nervousness tends to make one speak rapidly, but senior staff advise slowing down to be taken seriously. Talking at a "2x speed" might signal junior status, while "0.5x" hints at seniority. These cues are not explicitly taught but are learned through observation, emphasizing how crucial subtle communication is in high-stakes environments.

## Redefining Wall Street’s Geography

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Initially, Ing thought of *Wall Street* as a specific location—a hub in Lower Manhattan housing America’s biggest banks. Over time, he realized that *Wall Street* has become more of an **idea**—a symbol for finance, deals, and transactions. During training, discussions of *revenue* highlighted the scale of deals that move billions of dollars—buying and selling parts of companies like Apple. These complex transactions involve a range of players: the buy-side (investors, hedge funds, private equity) and the sell-side (investment bankers, advisors).

## The Dynamics of Buy Side and Sell Side

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Understanding the distinction is crucial. Sell-side professionals prepare pitchbooks and facilitate deals, while buy-side analysts read those presentations and make investment decisions. When financial figures span billions, the stakes are high—implying high stress, intense scrutiny, and the constant necessity for precision. A misplacement of a decimal point or an incorrect estimate can have disastrous consequences, including job termination.

## The Gambling Element in Finance

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Ing highlights that finance involves a form of gambling—predicting the future where nobody truly knows what it holds. Financial projections are often called *scientific wild-ass guesses*, with terms like *guidance*, *targets*, and *estimates* used interchangeably. The consensus of these estimates forms a collective “guess,” emphasizing the speculative nature of the industry where luck and skill intertwine.

## Key Traits for Success: Confidence vs. Track Record

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Success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust and a reputation over time. Junior staff gain respect through Excel skills and dedication, whereas senior professionals succeed by cultivating relationships and bringing in deals. Confidence is vital but must be backed by a solid track record—whether it’s deals closed or returns generated. While young guns may boast about recent gains, credibility is ultimately judged by long-term results.

## The Subtleties of Competence and Perception

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To impress in interviews or meetings, candidates must exude competence without overselling. Ing recalls a stiff, brain-teasing interview process versus a more relaxed, genuine conversation. The goal is to appear motivated to learn, attentive, and easy to work with—something known as *studied cultural fit*. How you look and dress also matter; classic Wall Street attire, such as dress shirts and vests, have become a uniform, with visual cues influencing perceptions of professionalism.

## Hierarchy and the Nature of Power

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Wall Street’s hierarchy mimics corporate ladders with analysts, associates, VPs, directors, managing directors, and ultimately the CEO. Contrary to the assumption that everything gets easier as one moves higher, the reality often worsens—since senior roles carry greater responsibility, accountability to clients, shareholders, and internal teams. Regardless of position, everyone has a boss, reflecting the layered, “turtles all the way down” structure.

## The Art of the Coffee Chat

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A key method of demonstrating commitment and cultivating connections is through *coffee chats*. These informal 30-minute conversations typically involve some small talk, a presentation of your skills and interests, and concluding with next steps. Mastering coffee chats allows candidates to fast-track their way into interviews and opportunities—often a behind-the-scenes but vital part of career advancement.

## The Wall Street Dress Code: An Evolving Uniform

While industry dress norms have relaxed over the years—from suits and ties to shirt and khakis—certain elements, like vests, persist. An Instagram account humorously documents this evolving *uniform*, reinforcing the idea that appearance still plays a role in social perception.

## The Truth About Finance: Myths and Reality

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Contrary to Hollywood, illicit drugs like cocaine or Adderall aren’t uniquely prevalent in finance compared to other industries; but the culture of lavish parties persists. Ing emphasizes that finance also employs many "nerds" — especially quants working mathematics and coding—highlighting the industry's diverse makeup. A typical day involves commuting, working through fires, and navigating high-pressure situations.

## Good Days vs. Bad Days

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A *good day* might involve arriving to a calm office, having no unread emails, no urgent deadlines, and leaving early enough for dinner. Conversely, *bad days* start the night before, with sleeplessness, early mornings, broken models, rescheduled meetings, and a cascade of fires to put out. It’s a relentless cycle of hurry-up-and-wait, punctuated by late nights and early mornings.

## The Hunt for Opportunities

Wall Street professionals are constantly *hunting*—for deals, opportunities, next roles, or new clients. Even if not explicitly said, everyone is always in the process of moving forward—trying to position themselves advantageously for the next big thing or career step.

## Final Reflections

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The industry’s reality is far from the Hollywood image—rigorous, detail-oriented, relationship-driven, and steeped in unspoken rules. Success depends on a blend of tactical communication, appearance, relationship-building, and understanding the complex dynamics at play. While high-stakes and stressful, it’s also an industry where perseverance, observation, and genuine skill can lead to long-term respect and achievement.

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# The Evolution of Societal Values: From Marx to Modern Consumerism

## Re-examining Marx’s Predictions and Their Modern Relevance

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Historically, Karl Marx’s predictions about society’s evolution have often been dismissed as outdated or wrong. Many associate Marxism primarily with the failures visible in the Soviet Union and China, considering these as the real-world implementations of communism. However, a deeper reflection reveals that what many call "socialism" in Western societies—like those in the United States and Europe—are actually rooted in Marx’s ideas. These societies adopted the core notion that workers, who create tangible value, should be at the center of societal priorities. This shift was most prominent post-World War II, when the welfare states in America and Europe aimed to enhance the lives of the working and middle classes through public healthcare, quality education, and social security.

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## Post-War Society: The Peak of Worker-Centered Ideals

In the aftermath of World War II, society appeared to come closer than ever to Marx’s vision. The middle and working classes thrived under policies that prioritized workers’ rights and well-being. Unions became powerful tools for demanding political reforms, and the societal focus was on making life better for the labor force. This era—spanning the 1950s to the 1970s—was arguably society’s peak in emphasizing a worker-centric ideology, where prosperity was equitably distributed and social mobility was attainable.

## The Shift of the 1980s: The Revolt of the Elites

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However, the tranquility of this period was disrupted starting in the 1980s. This period marked a significant ideological shift driven by what can be termed the "revolt of the elite." Rather than favoring equality and the collective good, the rising elite sought to consolidate power and wealth. This elite rebellion was motivated by a desire for greater inequality and control, opposing the egalitarian principles that had dominated mid-20th century society.

The political embodiment of this shift was Margaret Thatcher in Britain and Ronald Reagan in the United States—pioneers of neoliberalism, free-market capitalism, and deregulation. Their policies aimed to weaken the influence of workers and unions, favor corporate interests, and promote individual wealth accumulation.

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## Growing Economic Inequality: The Changing Face of Leadership and Wealth

The consequences of this ideological transformation are starkly visible in economic disparities. In the 1970s, CEOs earned approximately $1 million annually, around 20 times that of the average worker. Today, CEO compensation has skyrocketed to around $20 million, amounting to 200-300 times the average worker’s income. This exponential increase illustrated the widening gap between the elites and the everyday worker, driven by policies that shifted economic power toward the top echelons of society.

## Transitioning from Worker Focus to Consumerism

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This new focus shifted societal organizing units from the worker to the consumer. Previously, the societal emphasis was on ensuring workers had stable jobs, rights, and political power to protect their interests. But with neoliberal reforms, the dominant paradigm became consumerism—where individuals are encouraged to see themselves primarily as consumers competing for status and possessions.

### The Consumer Society: A Thought Experiment

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To understand this transition, imagine distributing $1 million to every individual in a school of 500 students. Initially, people would use this money to buy homes, furniture, or perhaps nice clothes, posting their achievements on social media to showcase success. However, as everyone pursues similar goals—big houses, luxury goods—they begin competing, borrowing money, and accumulating debt. This cycle leads to widespread dissatisfaction, jealousy, and social polarization.

This behavior exemplifies consumerism’s core dynamic: society becomes a contest for prestige through material possessions and social validation, leading to a breakdown in communal bonds and solidarity.

## Economic Logic and the Shift in Worldview

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As consumerism entrenches itself, society begins to think through an “economic logic,” a worldview where every social interaction, relationship, and decision is filtered through the lens of capital. For example, instead of asking if someone is a kind or decent person, individuals consider how much money that person has. Schools, too, shift focus from fostering critical thinking and creativity to preparing students for lucrative jobs, reinforcing the dominant capitalist mindset.

This shift results in an **individualized**, competitive society where collective action and solidarity diminish. People become preoccupied with acquiring more possessions and status, often at the expense of social cohesion.

## Consumerism as the Perfection of Slavery

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The speaker emphasizes that consumerism is, in fact, the **perfection of slavery**. While one might think of slavery as physical coercion or forced labor, consumerism enslaves individuals to the relentless pursuit of material wealth and social status. Ironically, consumers may believe they have freedom, but they are actually trapped in a system where their desires are manipulated, and their choices are dictated by the economic logic of capitalism.

This indivisibility from money and possessions makes consumerism a “perfect system” for maintaining elite dominance, as Fukuyama suggests. Since the masses accept and even embrace this consumer-driven life, rebellion becomes unlikely—the system effectively pacifies and controls the population.

## Conclusion: The End of History?

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Francis Fukuyama famously argued that consumerism might signify the "end of history" because it represents a system where political or social upheaval is less likely to threaten the status quo. The elite’s interests are protected, and the masses are absorbed in consumption. The system ensures stability for the ruling classes while reinforcing individual dissatisfaction and societal fragmentation.

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In summary, what began as a society centered on workers—who create real value—has gradually shifted toward a consumerist, capital-centric system. This transformation has been driven by ideological changes, economic policies, and the rise of elite power, effectively turning individuals into slaves of money and possessions. Understanding this trajectory allows us to critically assess our current societal values and consider alternative ways to organize community, economy, and life itself—beyond the endless pursuit of material wealth.

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# The Turbulent Shifts in Caucasus Geopolitics: A Deep Dive into Azerbaijan-Russia Relations

### Unexpected Strain and Regional Rivals

In recent weeks, the Caucasus region has witnessed unprecedented upheaval, with Azerbaijan and Russia experiencing a sharp deterioration in their traditionally complex relationship. Once allies and partners, the two nations now find themselves at odds, signaling a potential realignment of regional influence and geopolitics. This shift carries far-reaching consequences, threatening Russia’s historical dominance in the surrounding territories and opening pathways for Azerbaijan to explore independent diplomatic avenues—most notably with neighboring Armenia.

### The Catalyst: Ethnic Azerbaijani Arrests in Russia

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The latest break in diplomatic ties ignited over a series of arrests in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, where several dozen ethnic Azeris were detained in connection with murders committed over a decade ago. Troubling reports emerged of detainees being beaten, with two brothers—suspected in the murders—dying in custody. Azerbaijan responded with a forceful stance, a notable departure from typical post-Soviet diplomatic caution.

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The Azerbaijani government accused Russian security forces of deliberately killing their nationals, severing official ties further through the cancellation of cultural events, raids on Russian media offices like Sputnik in Baku, and detaining Russian nationals under suspicions of cyber fraud, drug dealing, and cybercrime—all amid media criticism of Moscow. These actions, combined with increased document checks on Russian citizens in Azerbaijan, marked a significant escalation and underscored the newfound assertiveness of Baku against Russian influence.

### A Historical Context of Influence and Independence

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To understand the recent events, it's essential to explore Azerbaijan’s history—a land rich in energy resources and diverse cultural influences. Located between Russia, Iran, and Turkey, Azerbaijan has long been a strategic prize in regional power struggles. Historically, its people—mainly Shia Muslims—were influenced by Persian culture, with the territory evolving through Persian empires, Arab conquests, and Ottoman influence.

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The 19th century marked the beginning of Russian expansion into the Caucasus, driven by strategic interests amid the "Great Game" rivalry with Britain. The Russo-Persian wars of the early 1800s resulted in treaties ceding much of the territory, including Baku, which became a vital oil hub for the Russians. The growth of oil production turned Baku into a melting pot of Armenians, Russians, and Iranians, with economic influence heavily skewed toward the Russian Empire.

### The Birth of Azerbaijani Identity and Soviet Era

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The concept of Azerbaijan as a cohesive national entity emerged more distinctly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in a brief independence in 1918—a political and secular republic that was the first of its kind in the Muslim world. However, this independence was short-lived; by 1920, the Bolsheviks incorporated Azerbaijan into the Soviet Union, establishing the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic, which remained under Moscow’s tight control through the Stalinist era and beyond.

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During Soviet times, Azerbaijan experienced significant industrial development, especially in oil—most notably in Baku, which by 1901 produced nearly half the world’s oil. The Soviet regime promoted education and placed Azerbaijanis into positions of power but maintained strict oversight. Repressions, purges, and collectivizations marked the Soviet period, often leading to social unrest and ethnic clashes, notably between Azerbaijanis and Armenians. These tensions erupted into violent pogroms and, eventually, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

### Post-Independence Turmoil

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The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 heralded Azerbaijan's independence, which was immediately plagued by internal disputes, a brutal war over Nagorno-Karabakh, and economic chaos. The Nagorno-Karabakh war resulted in Armenia controlling most of the region, leaving thousands dead, displaced, and with a decades-long stalemate. Despite a ceasefire in 1994, unresolved status and ongoing ethnic tensions have continued to threaten stability.

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The early years of independence were tumultuous, with multiple coups, political instability, and economic downturns. President Heydar Aliyev, who rose to power in 1993, managed to stabilize Azerbaijan through centralization of authority, economic reforms, and strategic resource management—most notably, signing lucrative oil contracts that transformed the country into an energy powerhouse.

### Diverging Paths: Relations with Russia and the West

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Initially, Azerbaijan maintained a balanced foreign policy—its "multi-vector" approach—cultivating ties with Russia, the EU, and the United States. While still part of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Azerbaijan did not sign the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), unlike Armenia, which signed a treaty with Russia in 1997 and participated actively in CSTO activities.

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However, relations with Russia began to sour over the late 2000s and 2010s. Allegations surfaced of Russian weapon transfers to Armenia, stirring suspicions of Moscow’s diminishing influence. Notably, in 2009, Azerbaijan claimed that Russia supplied weapons to Armenia worth hundreds of millions—though official denials persisted. The mid-2010s saw signs of Moscow recalibrating its strategy, including abandoning the lease of the Gabala radar station in 2012 and shifting its missile detection systems toward Russia’s own territory.

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Simultaneously, Azerbaijan sought closer ties with NATO and the European Union, aiming to reduce reliance on Russia and diversify its geopolitical engagements. This included participating in NATO drills and strengthening economic ties with Western partners—a strategic move to bolster independence.

### The Nagorno-Karabakh Resurgence and the 2020 War

Tensions escalated in 2018 and 2019, with renewed negotiations failing to resolve Nagorno-Karabakh’s status. In September 2020, a full-scale conflict erupted, fueled by external support—Turkey and Israel supplied Azerbaijan with drones and military equipment. After six weeks of intense fighting, Azerbaijan recaptured key territories, including the strategic city of Shusha, and Azerbaijan’s government declared victory.

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A ceasefire brokered with Russian peacekeepers saw Azerbaijan regain significant territories, but the status of Nagorno-Karabakh remained unresolved, with Armenian forces withdrawing under international supervision. Tensions, however, simmered beneath the surface, with disputes about refugees, border crossings, and the region’s future.

### Recent Shifts and the 2024 Turning Point

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In the aftermath of the 2020 conflict, Azerbaijan’s leadership under Ilham Aliyev continued consolidating power domestically, maintaining authoritarian tendencies and economic dependence on oil. Yet, regional geopolitics are now shifting amid the war in Ukraine and Russia’s strategic setbacks. Azerbaijan and Armenia have engaged in higher-level talks of peace, trying to bypass Russian mediators—an indication of declining Moscow influence.

This new independence was tested in December 2024, when Azerbaijan accused Russia of shooting down a civilian Azerbaijani aircraft over Nagorno-Karabakh—a serious breach that aggravated tensions. Russia’s response was tepid—apologizing but not accepting responsibility—fueling Azerbaijani mistrust.

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Meanwhile, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev openly criticized Russia’s handling of the incident and praised Ukraine’s resistance to Russian invasion, a move that was seen as provocative. These comments sparked a media campaign in Russia calling for punitive measures, escalating the diplomatic crisis.

### A Turning Point: 2025 and Beyond

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In 2025, relations further deteriorated as Azerbaijan publicly announced plans to sue Russia over the downed plane. Azerbaijan’s assertiveness culminated in the gradual seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani forces by October 2023, following a blockade of the Lachin corridor—the only land link connecting the enclave to Armenia. With Russian peacekeepers helpless, Azerbaijan consolidated control over the region, a significant blow to Moscow’s regional influence.

Adding insult to injury, Azerbaijan’s leadership skipped Moscow’s Victory Day parade in May 2025, favoring activities in recaptured territories—a stark sign of distancing from Russia. A month later, Azerbaijan took retaliatory actions against Russian media offices and detained Russian nationals amid growing hostilities.

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By mid-2025, Azerbaijani officials openly rejected Moscow’s attempts to reset relations, asserting that Azerbaijan prioritizes its national interests, resists external pressure, and is ready to defend itself militarily. Meanwhile, Russia found itself increasingly marginalized. As Azerbaijani officials increasingly lean toward Western alliances, the potential for a new regional order emerges—one where Moscow’s dominance wanes, and regional players foster independent and broader geopolitical alignments.

### The Bigger Picture: A Region in Transition

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While Russia remains a major regional actor with strong economic ties to Armenia and remnants of influence in the South Caucasus, recent developments suggest a declining grip. Azerbaijan’s independent strategic moves, strengthened alliances with the West, and pushback against Russian influence signal a significant geopolitical realignment—one that could reshape the Caucasus region’s future.

This evolving landscape underscores the importance of cautious diplomacy, regional cooperation, and recognition that old power dynamics are shifting, perhaps permanently. The Caucasus today is a region in flux—a zone of potential instability, but also of possibility for new alliances and peace if leaders can avoid further conflict driven by pride and stubbornness.

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*As this ongoing story develops, it highlights the intertwined nature of history, resource politics, ethnic tensions, and external influences. The Caucasus has always been a vital geopolitical chessboard, but now, the game is entering a new, unpredictable phase.*

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# The Shift in Society: Are We Living in a Changed Reality?

In recent years, a pervasive sense of disorientation has gripped many, leading to questions about the fundamental nature of human interaction and societal cohesion. The observation that "people have changed" isn't just anecdotal—it's a phenomenon many are witnessing firsthand. From altered social behaviors at major events to the fragmentation of community life, there's a growing consensus that something significant has shifted in the fabric of society.

## Witnessing a Societal Transformation

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Growing up in Kentucky, the narrator recounts their experiences with the Kentucky Derby, a renowned event celebrated worldwide for its vibrant, chaotic infield parties. Historically, these gatherings were wild, unrestrained displays of revelry, where participants dressed flamboyantly, drank freely, and engaged with one another enthusiastically. However, upon attending again in 2022, the scene had dramatically changed. Instead of a lively, social atmosphere, there was a stifling sense of rigidity and disengagement. Attendees appeared dressed in formal attire and simply stood around, glued to their phones—behaviors starkly contrasting with the lively chaos of past decades.

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This stark contrast was not limited to the Derby. Similar shifts were observed at other community events, such as the Kentucky fireworks festival, traditionally a large, festive gathering full of social interaction and participation. By 2022, the number of attendees had dwindled, and the once-bustling environment felt hollow and mechanized. The collective experience had become robotic—almost unnatural—highlighting a societal departure from authentic, human-to-human connection.

## The Loss of Shared Experiences

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The decline of social engagement extends beyond major events; it infiltrates everyday life. People now frequent supermarkets, bars, and public spaces with minimal interaction, choosing digital devices over face-to-face conversations. The narrator reflects on this phenomenon with concern, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge and experiences in shaping society. These interactions foster growth, understanding, and cultural evolution—cornerstones that are eroding as social exchanges diminish.