Strategic Regionalism in Turkish Foreign Policy: The Case of the Organization of Turkic States

Abstract

The erosion of the Western-led international order and the resurgence of great power competition in the last decade have led to a more fragmented international system, rendering regional cooperation more significant. This study offers an analytical framework by expanding the concept of strategic regionalism to address Türkiye’s growing interest in regional international organizations. Strategic regionalization is defined as a hybrid foreign policy strategy that integrates tools such as economic cooperation and identity proximity with high-politics goals. Accordingly, regional organizations are not merely platforms for economic integration; they also serve as tools to enhance the geopolitical interests of states and broaden the scope of global activity. The study employs two complementary methods. By employing a unique dataset covering Türkiye’s interactions with international organizations and the Organization of Turkic States as a case study, this study shows that, firstly, Türkiye assumed a facilitating role rather than a hegemonic or supportive leadership role in regional organizations, adopting an approach that prioritizes sovereign equality and consensus. Secondly, with this hybrid regionalization model, Türkiye is pursuing a policy similar to that of other regional powers and middle powers, while at the same time producing a novel and ambitious policy in terms of motivations and objectives.

Keywords

• Turkish foreign policy
• foreign policy diversification
• international organizations
• Organization of Turkic States
• strategic regionalism

Project Number

SBF-2025-236

Ethical Statement

Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Social and Human Sciences Research and Scientific Publication Ethics Committee of Ankara Social Sciences University Rectorate (Document Date: August 19, 2024; Decision No. 127999).

Thanks

This article is based on Project No. SBF-2025-236, which was conducted and completed with the support of the Scientific Research Projects Coordination (BAP) Unit at the Social Sciences University of Ankara (ASBÜ). We would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire dedicated team at the ASBÜ BAP Unit.

Türk Dış Politikasında Stratejik Bölgeselleşme: Türk Devletleri Teşkilatı Örneği

Abstract

Batı öncülüğündeki uluslararası düzenin aşınması ve son on yılda büyük güç rekabetinin yeniden yükselmesi, uluslararası sistemi daha parçalı hâle getirmiş ve bölgesel iş birliğini daha önemli kılmıştır. Bu çalışma, stratejik bölgeselcilik kavramını genişleterek Türkiye’nin bölgesel uluslararası örgütlere artan ilgisini açıklayan analitik bir çerçeve sunmaktadır. Stratejik bölgeselleşme; ekonomik iş birliği ve kimlik yakınlığı gibi araçları yüksek politika hedefleriyle birleştiren hibrit bir dış politika stratejisi olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Buna göre bölgesel örgütler yalnızca ekonomik entegrasyon platformları değil, aynı zamanda devletlerin jeopolitik çıkarlarını güçlendiren ve küresel faaliyet alanlarını genişleten araçlar olarak işlev görmektedir. Çalışma birbirini tamamlayıcı iki yöntem kullanmaktadır. Türkiye’nin uluslararası örgütlerle etkileşimlerini kapsayan özgün bir veri setini ve bir örnek olay incelemesi olarak Türk Devletleri Teşkilatı’nı kullanan bu çalışma, ilk olarak Türkiye’nin bölgesel örgütlerde hegemonik veya destekleyici bir liderlik rolünden ziyade kolaylaştırıcı bir rol üstlendiğini; egemen eşitlik ve uzlaşıyı önceleyen bir yaklaşım benimsediğini göstermektedir. İkinci olarak Türkiye, bu hibrit bölgeselleşme modeliyle diğer bölgesel ve orta ölçekli güçlere benzer bir politika izlerken, motivasyonları ve hedefleri bakımından özgün ve iddialı bir strateji geliştirmektedir.

Keywords

• Türk dış politikası
• dış politika çeşitlendirmesi
• uluslararası örgütler
• Türk Devletleri Teşkilatı
• stratejik bölgeselleşme

Project Number

SBF-2025-236

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma için etik onayı, Ankara Sosyal Bilimler Üniversitesi Rektörlüğü’ne bağlı Sosyal ve Beşeri Bilimler Araştırma ve Bilimsel Yayın Etik Kurulu’ndan alınmıştır (Belge Tarihi: 19 Ağustos 2024; Karar No. 127999).

Thanks

Bu makale, Ankara Sosyal Bilimler Üniversitesi (ASBÜ) Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Koordinasyon (BAP) Birimi’nin desteğiyle yürütülen ve tamamlanan SBF-2025-236 numaralı projeye dayanmaktadır. Bu vesileyle, ASBÜ BAP Birimi’ndeki özverili ekibin tüm üyelerine teşekkürlerimizi sunarız.

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