Azerbaijan’s worries reflect Russia’s natural role in the region Azerbaijan has switched to “restless neighbour” mode once again, reminding us of an enduring reality: countries living within Russia’s sphere of influence will always fear Russia. Our relations with post-Soviet neighbours will continue to be periodically marred by misunderstandings, as is happening with Baku today.  Russia’s borders remain largely transparent and porous, with the exception of our boundary with one of the