Turkish foreign policy, the East-West divide

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SOCIAL JUSTICE
21 Oct, 2022

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Theme : Bilateral, regional and global grouping involving India or affecting India’s interests etc
Paper : GS - 2

  • The origin of the ideology of pan-Turkism dates back to the mid-19th century when campaigns for uniting Turkic people in Russia gained traction.
  • Its geographic scope eventually became much wider, covering the huge spread of Turkic people from the “Balkans to the Great Wall of China.’’
  • However,in the 20th century, the decline of Turkey began with the integration of Turkic people into other states.
     

TABLE OF CONTENT

  1. Context
  2. Turkish Ideology
  3. Issues faced by Turkey
  4. Current Problems in Turkey
  5. Stand of Turkey
  6. Russia-Turkey Relations
  7. Conclusion

Context : Turkey is at the center of regional diplomacy amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Turkish Ideology :

  • The origin of the ideology of pan-Turkism dates back to the mid-19th century when campaigns for uniting Turkic people in Russia gained traction.
  • Its geographic scope eventually became much wider, covering the huge spread of Turkic people from the “Balkans to the Great Wall of China.’’
  • However,in the 20th century, the decline of Turkey began with the integration of Turkic people into other states.

Issues faced by Turkey :

  • Turkey is concerned about expanding ties between Greece and the United States: The deployment of U.S. military supplies on islands in the Aegean that are close to Turkey, in violation of several agreements, including Lausanne (1923)and Paris (1947).
  • Cyprus and the East Mediterranean: The U.S. removed restrictions on defense supplies to Cyprus in response denying refueling and repair facilities to Russian naval vessels.

Current Problems in Turkey :

  • Serious economic crises:with inflation well over 80%.
  • Hostility and confrontation: Anti-Kurdish hostility and confrontations with Greece.

Stand of Turkey :

  • Turkey concluded an energy agreement with the Tripoli-based Libyan government: For joint exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the East Mediterranean.
  • It is the only NATO member, which can engage with Russia and mediate in the Ukraine war.
  • Grain agreement: Turkey successfully negotiated the grain agreement with Russia and Ukraine.

Russia-Turkey Relations :

  • Significant Russian investments and financial transfers to Turkish banks: including a $15 billion transfer from Russia’s nuclear company, to its Turkish partner.
  • Turkey’s exports to Russia: It has increased 75% over the last year.
  • It has emerged as a major importer of Russian energy:The Russian President has reciprocated by proposing that Turkey become a hub for supplies of Russian gas to Europe.
  • Turkey has indicated its interest in membership of the SCO:In response to criticisms that this is an anti-West grouping.

Conclusion :  Erdogan’s Foreign Policy  reflects the usage of politics and geopolitics, mixed with strong elements of Ottoman glory.

FAQs :

1. What is the serious Economic Crisis faced by Turkey?

Answer : Serious economic crises with inflation well over 80%.

2. With whom did Turkey negotiate the Grain Agreement?

Answer : Turkey successfully negotiated the grain agreement with Russia and Ukraine.