Heydar Aliyev vs Zlatko Lagumdzija

Heydar Aliyev was elected President of Azerbaijan after a military coup ousted the previous government. He had previously served as a KGB general and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan. His presidency stabilized the country after the chaos of the post-Soviet period and the Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Aliyev brokered a ceasefire agreement with Armenia, ending the active phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh war. The ceasefire left Armenia in control of the disputed region and surrounding territories. Aliyev used the ceasefire to consolidate power and begin rebuilding the Azerbaijani military.

Aliyev signed a major oil production sharing agreement with a consortium of international oil companies, known as the 'Contract of the Century.' The deal opened Azerbaijan's oil sector to foreign investment and laid the foundation for the country's economic growth. It was a key element of his economic strategy.

Aliyev consolidated authoritarian rule by suppressing political opposition, controlling the media, and rigging elections. He amended the constitution to extend presidential powers and ensure his continued rule. His regime was characterized by nepotism and corruption, but also provided stability.

Heydar Aliyev appointed his son Ilham Aliyev as Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, setting the stage for a dynastic succession. Heydar's health was failing, and he stepped down as president later that year, with Ilham winning the subsequent election. This established the Aliyev family's political dynasty.

Lagumdzija became the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1997, transforming it into a major multi-ethnic party in Bosnia. He advocated for social democracy, EU integration, and anti-nationalist policies.

Lagumdzija served as Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2001 to 2003, focusing on EU integration and regional cooperation. He worked to improve Bosnia's international image and relations with neighboring countries.

Lagumdzija served again as Foreign Minister from 2012 to 2015, continuing his work on EU accession. He faced challenges from ethnic divisions and slow reform progress, but maintained Bosnia's EU candidacy status.