Amazing Azerbaijan

Last year, a sugary duet with the unintentionally ironic title “Running Scared” secured the contest for this oil and gas-rich, former Soviet Republic on the Easternmost tip of Europe. The competition claims to be an apolitical celebration of European unity; but when the President declared the victory a national achievement he offered the nation up to the harsh glare of the international spotlight, for better or worse.

According to international observers, the government’s record on press freedom, transparency, and democratic principles leaves much to be desired. This is a tale of two countries: one a shiny democratic republic the government proudly puts on display for visiting journalists and dignitaries, the other a repressive and corrupt land with no respect for freedom of expression or assembly.