On 21 October, the Institute of Law and Human Rights hosted the presentation of “Five Fundamental Pillars: In Perception and Reality,” a book authored by Doctor of Legal Sciences Mehdi Abdullayev.

Opening the event, Mahammad Guluzade, Chairman of the Institute’s Board, addressed the role of fundamental legal and political concepts in the development of modern society, emphasizing the importance of examining their theoretical foundations and practical application through scholarly research. He noted that by regularly organizing presentations of academic publications in this field, the Institute makes a significant contribution to disseminating scholarly knowledge among the public, promoting legal culture in society, and fostering academic dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

The author, Mehdi Abdullayev, Head of Department at the Academy of Public Administration, then provided an overview of the book’s purpose, central ideas, and scholarly approaches. He noted that fundamental concepts such as freedom, democracy, justice, human rights, and power are sometimes understood in ways that differ from their theoretical meanings, highlighting the importance of examining how these concepts manifest in practice.

He also emphasized the support provided by the leadership of the Academy of Public Administration for the advancement of academic scholarship, the promotion of scientific research, and the preparation of new scholarly works. Acknowledging the favourable conditions created at the Academy for conducting research and fostering academic development, he expressed his gratitude to Academician Urkhan Alakbarov for his continued attention and support in this regard.

The book examines five fundamental concepts of particular significance to law, political science, and the humanities—freedom, democracy, justice, human rights, and power—from legal, political, and philosophical perspectives. In addition to exploring their theoretical foundations, the author analyses their practical application, the perceptions surrounding these concepts in society, and the distortions arising from such perceptions.

The work also explores relations between the state and individuals, the rule of law, statehood, and governance, drawing on historical events, political developments, the activities of statesmen, and the ideas of prominent thinkers.

Participants who addressed the gathering highlighted the book’s key ideas and content, as well as the contemporary relevance of fundamental legal and political concepts. They also emphasized its multidisciplinary approach and academic and practical significance.

The event was attended by members of the Milli Majlis, representatives of the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan, professors and faculty members of the Academy of Public Administration, scholars from the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and legal professionals.