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Abstract
This article analyzes the contemporary trends of improvement in the relationship between Turkey and Russia and examines the significant ramifications of this rapprochement for regional geopolitics. It traces the evolution of the relationship from one of historical rivalry to a new and complex "competitive cooperation." The study explores the key drivers of this improvement, which include a shared disillusionment with the West, strong economic complementarities (particularly in the energy sector), and a convergence of interests in managing the conflict in Syria, despite backing opposing sides. The research then provides an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical ramifications of this new partnership. It explores how the Turkey-Russia alignment has challenged the unity of the NATO alliance, reshaped the balance of power in the Syrian conflict, and created a new and influential axis in Eurasian geopolitics. The paper concludes that the relationship is a pragmatic and often-transactional one, but its deepening has had a transformative impact on the regional and global order.
Full Text
The relationship between Turkey and Russia, two major Eurasian powers with a long history of rivalry, has undergone a dramatic and consequential transformation in the 21st century. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the contemporary trends of improvement in their relations and the geopolitical ramifications. The study begins by outlining the powerful strategic and economic logic that has driven the two countries closer together. This includes their massive and growing energy partnership, with Turkey being a key market for Russian gas and a crucial transit hub. The core of the article is an examination of the geopolitical dimensions of their "competitive cooperation." The paper provides a detailed case study of their complex interaction in the Syrian civil war, where, despite supporting opposing sides, they have successfully worked together to de-escalate the conflict and to marginalize the influence of the United States. The paper also analyzes how this rapprochement has had a profound impact on Turkey's relationship with its traditional Western allies, particularly its decision to purchase the Russian S-400 air defense system, a move that created a major crisis within the NATO alliance. The findings reveal a relationship that is not a formal alliance but a highly pragmatic and flexible partnership of convenience, driven by a shared desire to maximize their own strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. The paper concludes that the deepening of the Turkey-Russia relationship is one of the most significant geopolitical developments of recent years, with a transformative impact on the balance of power in the Middle East, the Black Sea region, and beyond.