EDITORIAL

The BRI and the Organization of Turkic States in a Multipolar World

One might argue that a defining characteristic of the multipolar world is the rise of regional cooperation platforms that are increasingly gaining strength and extending their influence from the regional to the global level. Certainly, regional organizations where countries convened based on economic, political, or military ties existed even prior to the onset of multipolarity. However, it is widely recognized that during this period, Atlantic hegemonism was capable of steering these organizations, either through direct involvement or via proxy states. In contrast, the current decline in Atlantic supremacy, particularly in the realms of economics and high technology, has fostered an environment that has contributed to the retreat of hegemonism. This new multipolar context has paved the way for regional cooperation platforms that enable developing nations to more effectively pursue their own interests. On a global scale, organizations such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)—which extends not only across Asia but also reaches Europe via Belarus—alongside the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) in Latin America, and more recently the Sahel States Alliance in Africa, have gained significant momentum. Concurrently, earlier regional platforms, as they increasingly extricate themselves from hegemonic dominance, have provided nations within these regions with the opportunity to focus on their own interests. The establishment of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in 2019 is a further development that has emerged within the framework of a multipolar world.

At the present time, the nation-states of Asia, Africa, and Latin America find themselves objectively positioned in opposition to the US-led Atlantic front, within the broader context of the global confrontation that has emerged. In this global struggle, the Atlantic bloc’s most significant objective is to halt the rise of Asia, a rise that plays a pivotal role in undermining global hegemony. In this endeavor, two critical focal areas have emerged: West Asia and Central Asia. Conversely, both regions hold strategic importance for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a multilateral cooperation platform proposed by China that seeks to foster shared development and prosperity among developing nations.

As the BRI approaches its 11th anniversary, it is evident that the transportation and energy corridors under this initiative will traverse the member states of the OTS in this region. The effective participation of the OTS and its members within the BRI holds the potential to precipitate significant shifts on the international stage.
Türkiye, alongside the Turkic republics of Central Asia, aligns itself within both the SCO, where it holds Dialogue Partner status, and the OTS. These republics also maintain partnerships with Russia, China, Iran, and India within the SCO, cooperate with Russia through the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union, and collaborate with China within the framework of the BRI.

Türkiye, which is both a target of the Atlantic bloc and a state it seeks to retain as an ally, finds its fate increasingly intertwined with that of Russia, China, and Iran—not only in economic matters but also in international politics. This alignment has the potential to transform the OTS into a bridge within Asia. Strengthening the OTS through policies that are aligned with the interests of regional states would further weaken Atlantic hegemonism. Consequently, this would not only bolster Türkiye’s position but also enhance the strategic standing of Russia, China, and Iran. This potential will be realized by making the OTS an organization that is embraced by all the nations of Asia that share a common destiny.

FİKRET AKFIRAT
Editor-in-Chief

Download
BRIQ Vol.5 Issue:4

Contents

Abstract

With the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war in Europe and the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East, the “Global East” is rising in the shifting world order. The East Asian countries (represented by China, Japan and South Korea), the Southeast Asian countries (represented by Indonesia), the South Asian countries (represented by India and Pakistan), the Central Asian countries (represented by Kazakhstan), the West Asian countries (represented by Saudi Arabia, Iran and Türkiye), and the North Asian countries (represented by Russia) have formed a complex of security, politics, economics, and civilization. In the current global climate, China conducts its greater periphery diplomacy in the “Global East” to consolidate its security and development. In the transition from US hegemony to multipolarity, the politics of historical self-definition has been on the rise, while Asian countries have awakened to nationalism and strategic autonomy. The stagnation of globalization and the lack of liberal economic growth made neighborhood diplomacy a top priority for Asian countries. Thus, the countries of the “Global East” moved from the periphery and semi-periphery to the center of the world stage by adopting bottomup economic development instead of top-down democratic transformation as the main path to modernization.

Keywords: Central Asia, China, Global East, Global West, Global South.

Abstract

The article discusses the increased geopolitical importance of Central Asia following the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on the roles of newly independent states (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan) in the region, as well as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia in the Caucasus. These states face conflicts of interest with major powers over energy resources, trade routes, and security issues. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is examined as a new actor in this geopolitical landscape, focusing on its influence on economic cooperation, cultural unity, security alliances, and strategic partnerships in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Türkiye’s leadership role and the potential future role of the OTS are also highlighted. The main goals of the OTS include strengthening political and security cooperation, enhancing collaboration in economic and energy sectors, combating terrorism, and sharing information. Projects like the Middle Corridor and TANAP support trade and energy flow in the region. The organization’s alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative enhances its economic power. However, the OTS faces challenges such as being a young organization with a lack of international recognition, and dealing with economic and political disparities among its member states. The question of how the OTS will balance with other major powers in the region remains significant for its future.

Keywords: Asia, geopolitics, Organization of Turkic States, Turkish Identity, Türkiye.

Abstract

“Over the past 20 years, Türkiye has adeptly balanced the interests of the West and various Eurasian power centers. However, with growing international tensions, Türkiye will inevitably have to make a strategic choice. The West has repeatedly shown an unwillingness to consider Türkiye’s interests as an independent state in major strategic areas. In Syria, the U.S. and several European countries openly support separatists in the country’s northeast. Regarding Middle East, U.S. unequivocally sides with Israel. Cyprus issue remains unresolved within the context of the EU integration, with the West taking an anti-Turkish stance. To date, neither Russia nor China is assured of the OTS’s friendly stance. There are concerns that Türkiye, as a military-political ally of U.S., might facilitate U.S. influence in the OTS countries, potentially transforming the OTS from a cultural-economic entity into a military-political organization. This apprehension is heightened by numerous Turkish and Turkic world experts advocating for such a transformation. However, this issue could be mitigated if the OTS takes steps to address the concerns of Russia, Iran, and China regarding the growing integration of Turkic states. Involving the leadership of these states in the OTS’s activities would be a significant step. In the near future, will Türkiye become a sovereign center of power or a tool of Western policy in Eurasia? The future of the OTS and its relations with other Eurasian integration projects depend on this decision.”

Abstract

A just, realistic, practical and sustainable solution in Cyprus can be achieved not through the virtual status granted to the Greek Cypriot leadership by the international community over the years, overstepping its authority, sovereignty and power, but through the current realities on the island, namely the establishment of a structured cooperative relationship between the two sovereign states. This “win-win” situation will not only bring many political and economic gains to the Greek and Turkish sides of the island, but will also serve as a catalyst for the resolution of the problems in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. Thanks to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), it has become possible to reinforce cooperation in areas such as politics, security, trade and energy, which have been longed for and needed in the Turkic World for years. TRNC, with all its institutions and organizations, wishes to take part in all areas where the OTS operates and to develop relations. We think that the internationally renowned Famagusta Port, Gemikonağı Port, and Ercan Airport of the TRNC offer the OTS a number of advantages. Our ultimate objective in this domain is to establish the TRNC as a dependable transit nation for maritime transportation and as a regional center for civil aviation. With the membership of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the OTS, the connection between the Turkic world and the Mediterranean was established. It is also of great importance to us that the OTS takes an active role in the development of the Middle Corridor.

Keywords: Middle Corridor, Organization of Turkic States, Sister Ports Program, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Turkic World Vision - 2040.

Abstract

In the context of the “New Great Game” in Central Asia, Türkiye has taken advantage of the image of “Turkic leadership” created by the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, seized the opportunity of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, and actively promoted and led the integration of Turkic-speaking States. Türkiye’s enthusiasm is a manifestation of its strategic adjustment that puts greater emphasis on strategic autonomy. In this process, Türkiye’s primary advantage lies in its soft power; its main approach is to foster multilateral cooperation alongside bilateral partnerships. The core focus remains on energy and trade collaboration. Pan-Turkic cooperation is subject to varying considerations regarding extraterritorial powers by Russia, China, and Iran. The impact of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on Eurasian geopolitical dynamics will depend on its ability to avoid being manipulated as a pawn in the great powers’ geopolitical competition.

Keywords: Central Asia, multilateral cooperation, regional integration, Organization of Turkic States, Türkiye.

Abstract

Türkiye, which has 0.8% of the world’s agricultural land, produces more than 1.2% of the total global agricultural production. Like all ambitious countries in agriculture, Türkiye is increasing agricultural production by using technology and knowledge more. Agricultural product trade is also gaining importance and all countries see agriculture as a strategic area for the future. Türkiye, which is one of the important actors in the global agricultural economy with its product diversity, productivity, soil structure, production capacity and food processing industry, continues to carry this claim even further. As the 10th largest agricultural country in the world, Türkiye is right in the center of global and regional problems and opportunities due to its geopolitical location. While this situation primarily reveals sufficiency in agriculture, it also reveals the mission of being a pioneer in the region, especially in the Turkic States World geography. Türkiye, which aims to increase its agricultural production, which is close to 50 billion dollars as of 2020, to around 270 billion dollars in 2050, displays a potential to rise to the seventh place in global agriculture. These developments may increase even more due to the synergy that will emerge when the member countries of the Turkic World come together. With regional cooperation in agriculture, a great global power can emerge and every country will win. Türkiye will strive to fulfill its role as an active playmaker here.

Abstract

Until 2053, various measures are being taken to keep global warming below 1.5°C by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce the concentration of CO2 gas in the atmosphere to 280 ppm (parts per million). The West is trying to impose impositions such as carbon tax at the border and carbon trade, which are not based on real foundations and will not yield results, on all countries, including our country, the Turkic Republics and all eastern countries. The inconsistencies in the European Union's decarbonization initiatives are reaching significant dimensions. The biggest threat from the West lies in the fact that the main economies of Asian countries, with the exception of the Turkic Republics and large developed countries (such as China and India, the Russian Federation is already being subjected to disproportionate sanctions), are based on agriculture, animal husbandry, mining and semi-finished goods production. In fact, EU countries are in need of us as intermediate products. This is a trump card. We need to optimize this as we move to the final product industry. To overcome all these challenges, a series of sustainable measures must be taken and the beltway borders must be protected.

Keywords: carbon emissions, carbon market, decarbonization, green transformation, Turkic Republics.

Abstract

As Africa’s position in the international strategic landscape gradually rises, the participation and competition of traditional and emerging African powers are also rising. In recent years, Türkiye’s strategic investment in Africa has been increasing. Türkiye’s relations with Africa have made important progress in many dimensions, such as political exchanges, economic trade, military security cooperation, and soft power diplomacy, which have attracted extensive attention from the international community. The main motivations of Türkiye’s multidimensional strategy for Africa include seeking economic interests, pursuing diplomatic and military strategic autonomy, and highlighting Türkiye’s emerging power status and influence. In the future, Türkiye’s Africa strategy has both opportunities and challenges. Unlike Western countries, Türkiye’s multidimensional strategy towards Africa is more economic and non-interference, emphasizing equality and paying more attention to details, which has won the support and recognition of many African countries from the official to the public. This advantage and the uniqueness of Türkiye’s Africa strategy also laid a good foundation for the sustainable development of Türkiye-Africa relations. However, Türkiye’s Africa strategy also faces many challenges at the domestic and international levels, including Türkiye’s domestic economic support capacity, strategic firmness, the limit of participation, and competition and pressure from major powers outside the region.

Keywords: Africa, motivations, Multidimensional strategy, prospects, Türkiye

Abstract

The era of “Western universalism” or “Western liberal supremacy”, as articulated by Francis Fukuyama, appears to be faltering. For nearly 30 years, global affairs were largely dictated by U.S. and multinational corporations. The prospect of U.S. losing its dominance in economics, finance, and technology, much like the decline of Pax Britannica in the 20th century, is becoming more tangible. Both SCO and BRICS share similar goals, though SCO focuses on Eurasia, while BRICS operates on a global scale. These organizations, alongside entities like EAEU, SCO-10, BRICS-10, China’s One Belt, One Road project, CICA, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, emphasize the importance of UN Charter and international law. Collectively, they contribute to the formation of a united Eurasia. The creation of OTS, which arose on the basis of Nakhichevan Declaration in 2009, is a great idea of uniting Turkic peoples for interaction in common projects of the economic, customs and transport cooperation, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, energy, humanitarian sphere, interaction between Muslim religious institutions and migration policy. And the goals of OTS are officially proclaimed already: strengthening friendship and good neighborliness between Turkic countries, peace and security in the region and around the world. In this capacity, the organization can really bring a lot of benefits to the region.

Keywords: China, OTS, regional integration, Russia, Türkiye.