Behind the Propaganda

Flush with oil and gas revenues, Azerbaijan is trying to raise its profile abroad, transforming its capital, Baku, into a glittering Dubai-style city. At the same time, it’s gearing up to host Eurovision, the long-running song contest with music acts from 56 countries, expected to draw more than 100 million television viewers this May. Because of the Azeri government’s repressive policies, however, this years’ Eurovision will happen in the shadow of serious human rights violations.