Hedging as a Security Strategy for Restrained Middle Powers: The Case of Türkiye

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 13 Sayı: 1, 51 - 67, 31.03.2025

Can Donduran

https://doi.org/10.14782/marmarasbd.1544083

Öz

The growing multipolarity of the international order in recent years has garnered a renewed interest in middle-power behavior in international politics. A similar trend can also be observed in categorizing them based on different factors. This article draws on the distinction between overambitious and restrained middle powers and argues that the hedging strategy can provide a well-suited framework for a distinct restrained middle power identity. The focus will be on Türkiye’s attitude toward Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. The analysis suggests that the hedging strategy offers a viable alternative for Türkiye in responding to contemporary challenges and increasing its gains. Moreover, it is also reliable for other restrained middle powers facing a geopolitical landscape characterized by tension, conflict, and an increasingly assertive local rising great power.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Hedging, middle power, restrained middle power, Russia, Turkish foreign policy

İtidalli Orta Güçler İçin Bir Güvenlik Stratejisi Olarak Risk Dengeleme (Hedging): Türkiye Örneği

Öz

Son yıllarda uluslararası düzenin artan çok kutupluluğu, uluslararası politikada orta güç davranışına olan ilginin yeniden artmasına neden olmuştur. Benzer bir eğilim, bu güçlerin farklı faktörlere göre sınıflandırılmasında da gözlemlenebilir. Bu makale, aşırı hırslı ve itidalli orta güçler arasındaki ayrıma dayanmakta ve risk dengeleme stratejisinin belirgin bir itidalli orta güç kimliği için uygun bir çerçeve sağlayabileceğini savunmaktadır. Çalışmanın odağında, Türkiye'nin Ukrayna'nın işgalinden bu yana Rusya'ya yönelik tutumu yer almaktadır. Analiz, risk dengeleme stratejisinin Türkiye'nin güncel zorluklara yanıt vermesi ve kazanımlarını artırması için uygun bir alternatif sunduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca, bu strateji, yükselen gerginlik, çatışma ve giderek daha iddialı bir yerel yükselen büyük güç ile karakterize edilen jeopolitik bir manzara ile karşı karşıya kalan diğer itidalli orta güçler için de güvenilir bir seçenek sunmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Risk dengeleme, orta güç, itidalli orta güç, Rusya, Türk dış politikası

Kaynakça

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