Synopsis
How is it that the brutal dictatorship of Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan outwardly creates the impression of a friendly country? Thanks to its mastery of "caviar diplomacy", also used by other neighbouring states. The aim of this foreign policy practice is to build an extensive network of corruption, to buy European politicians through bribes, to influence foreign election observers or to spend huge sums of money on the performances of global pop celebrities. It is only thanks to the persistent work of indomitable journalists, such as the persecuted Khadija Ismayilova, Emin Huseynov and others, that the regime has failed to cover up its illegal oil trade or the imprisonment and elimination of political opponents.