Geopolitical Interests of Modern Turkey

Abstract

The first chapter of the bachelor’s work summarises the essence of the geopolitical interests concept. It has been systematised that the key components of the state's geopolitical interests are space, fields of interaction, geopolitical fields, geopolitical codes, geopolitical concepts, geopolitical vectors, geopolitical position and geopolitical potential. The main factors influencing the formation of geopolitical interests in modern Turkey are investigated in the second chapter of the bachelor's work. Great attention is paid to the consideration of historical and political prerequisites in the development of Turkey's geopolitical interests. The contribution of socio-economic factors to the emergence of the geopolitical direction of Turkey is also studied. The third chapter of the research reveals the characteristic features of the modern geopolitical direction of Turkey as well as its main geopolitical vectors. It observes the main problems and prospects for the realisation of Turkey's geopolitical interests at the current stage. The conclusions are drawn based on the results of the work. Geopolitical interests are viewed as a set of interests and needs of society and the government of the state formed under the influence of geographical factors, namely the location or availability of natural resources, etc. Turkey has a favourable geopolitical location at the crossroads of European and Asian civilizations. The historical development of Turkey's geopolitical interests formation went through six stages. The modern stage is characterised by Turkey's return to Ottoman and Islamic traditions, the rejection of Kemalism and the search for new concepts. The characteristic features of Turkey's geopolitical interests realisation at the current stage are carrying out a balanced independent foreign policy to obtain maximum benefit for itself; strengthening security and stability in the world; strengthening authority and influence at the international arena through participation in regional organisations and mediation in conflicts; increase of its military power. The main geopolitical vectors of Turkey include European (Balkans, Eastern Europe), Asian (Middle East, Central Asia, South Caucasus, Southeast Asia), African and American. The main problems of realising Turkey's geopolitical interests are political and economic instability in the state; regional instability due to the wars in Syria and Libya, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the occupation of Northern Cyprus; strengthening of the refugee problem; Kurdish nationalism; Islamic terrorism. In addition, the use of the Strategic Depth and Blue Motherland doctrines increase Turkey's confrontation with other regional actors. However, despite this fact, Turkey continues its rise from a regional power to a world power, increasing its military and economic strength and strengthening its autonomy in the energy, military and economic spheres. In addition, Turkey is enhancing its capabilities as an energy hub between Europe and Asia. The EU and NATO, Ukraine, China, Turkic and African states remain strategically important in Turkey's geopolitical interests.