Features of Turkish Foreign-Policy Strategy in the South Caucasus on the Modern Stage in the Context of Mutual Relations With Azerbaijan and Armenia

Abstract

Turkey on the modern stage remains the example of the exclusiveness in different spheres and aspects: exceptional history, geography, democratic progress, state-building, cultural originality and religious authentication. The foreign-policy course of Turkey is a special too. The principles of the domestic political system of country based by kemalism conception until recently have determined strategic landmarks in international politics as well. However, the end of the Cold war, configuration changes of the actors in the international arena in combination with domestic problems influenced on the Turkish foreign policy. During the last years the domestic end external policy оf country demonstrates, that Turkey is in the process of changing its identity, searching of own role in the post-bipolar world. Conceptually, the Turkish leadership combines the principles of Kemalism, Pan-Turkism and Neo-Ottomanism. The Neo-Ottomanism involves maintaining a balance between security and democracy; policy of “no problems with neighbors”; active diplomacy of peace support; multidimensional foreign policy. The Republic of Turkey also embodies the principle of "rhythmic diplomacy", which ensures Turkey's presence in international organizations and participation in all international issues. The intensification of Turkey's policy in the South Caucasus can be explained by the need to solve a number of problems with neighboring countries, including Armenia. On the other hand, due to close relations with Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkey receives significant economic dividends, has become an influential energy player and is expanding its geopolitical influence in the Black Sea region. At present, Turkey is unable to normalize relations with Armenia due to its tragic historical past and position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In addition, concessions to Armenia will inevitably lead to disputes among Turkish political circles and worsen relations with Azerbaijan. Besides this situation become more complicated because of geopolitical rivalry with Russia, which considers the region a zone of exclusively Russian interests.