Turkey-Russia Relations in the Twenty-First Century: Cooperation and Competition Amid Systemic Turbulence

Turkey and Russia are two of the most significant powerhouses in Eurasia, and their foreign policies have a significant impact on the regional dynamics in Black Sea, Central Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan regions. In the twenty-first century, Turkey and Russia invested in bilateral trade and established significant partnerships in the strategic defense and energy sectors, but the competition between them heightened, leading to military confrontation in multiple fronts. The decline of the US influence in the region has brought about increased engagement between Turkey and Russia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Turkey and Russia are two of the most influential nations in Eurasia, with their foreign policies having a profound impact on the regional dynamics of Black Sea, Central Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan regions. The changes in the bilateral relations between these two countries extend far beyond the Black Sea region. In the past, the Russian Empire played a significant role in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, while Turkey contributed to containing the Soviet Union during the Cold War by joining NATO in 1952. However, in the twenty-first century, Turkey and Russia made significant investments in bilateral trade and formed strong partnerships in strategic defense and energy sectors. At the same time, the competition between Turkey and Russia intensified, leading to military confrontations on multiple fronts.

This book argues that the shifting balance of power in the region has prompted Russia and Turkey to adjust their foreign policies in the twenty-first century. The decline of US influence in the region has led to increased engagement between Turkey and Russia, manifested in partnerships and competition for influence.

The historical relationship between Turkey and Russia is complex and multifaceted. Both countries have a long and rich history, and their interactions have shaped the political and economic landscape of the region. Turkey has been a dominant power in the region for centuries, while Russia has also played a significant role. However, their relationship has been marked by periods of tension and conflict, particularly in the post-Cold War era.

One of the key areas of contention between Turkey and Russia is their conflicting territorial claims in the Black Sea region. Turkey has long claimed sovereignty over several islands in the Black Sea, including the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. This annexation has led to widespread international condemnation and has strained relations between the two countries.

Another area of tension is the conflict in Syria. Turkey has supported opposition groups in Syria, while Russia has backed the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The conflict in Syria has spilled over into neighboring countries, including Turkey, and has led to a refugee crisis that has affected the region.

Despite these challenges, Turkey and Russia have also worked together on several issues in the past. They have cooperated in the energy sector, particularly in the construction of the South Stream pipeline, which will transport gas from Russia to Europe. They have also worked together on counterterrorism efforts and have supported each other's political positions in international organizations such as the United Nations.

In recent years, the relationship between Turkey and Russia has been further complicated by the rise of populism and nationalism in both countries. This has led to increased political polarization and has made it difficult for the two countries to find common ground on many issues.

One of the most significant challenges facing Turkey and Russia in the twenty-first century is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia has supported separatist groups in eastern Ukraine, which have declared independence from Kyiv. This conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis and has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.

In conclusion, Turkey and Russia are two of the most significant powerhouses in Eurasia, with their foreign policies having a profound impact on the regional dynamics of Black Sea, Central Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan regions. The changes in the bilateral relations between these two countries extend far beyond the Black Sea region, and their relationship has been marked by periods of tension and conflict. Despite these challenges, Turkey and Russia have also worked together on several issues in the past, and there is potential for further cooperation in the future. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the rise of populism and nationalism in both countries pose significant challenges to their relationship.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 237 x 161 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666915730