Turkey’s Stance towards the Main Developments in the South Caucasus

Abstract:

This article aims to elaborate on Turkey’s stance towards the main developments in the South Caucasus after the rise of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in 2002. Taking into consideration the normalization of relations with Armenia, the Russo-Georgian conflict, Turkey’s energy relations with Azerbaijan, and other major regional developments, the main focus of this article is to delineate the impact of Turkey’s new foreign policy on the country’s approach towards these developments. Turkey’s ambitions to become a key energy hub influence its sensitive and strategic conception of this energy-rich region. Turkey’s “zero problems with neighbors” policy has proven to be an underlying principle, giving shape to Turkey’s attempts to support regional pluralism and contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region through economic interdependence. The aim of Turkey’s approach is to achieve its political goal of enjoying a peaceful neighboring region, and its ultimate vision of becoming a key energy hub. However, the “zero problems” ideal has faced challenges and obstacles, including Turkey’s dependence on the regional hegemon, Russia, as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh and Russo-Georgian conflicts, in which Russia has played a significant role. These regional challenges are underlined as the main factors currently influencing Turkey’s policies and behavior in the region.