The Balkan Vector of Turkish Geopolitics

Authors:

Pages: 187-198
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/RWXL9128

Abstract:

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Turkey has more and more visibly displayed its ambitions to be a significant factor on the global political scene. In this context, the Balkans are seen as a key region for Turkish geopolitics. Ankara’s ambition is to expand its political, economic, and cultural influence in this part of the world, which turns out to be a not-so-easy foreign policy goal. Its actions in this direction are perceived by the neighboring countries as an undisguised ambition for domination within the borders of the former Ottoman Empire, based on the Muslim and Turkish communities, rather than as a vision for the development of mutually beneficial regional cooperation. However, Turkey’s unique geostrategic location between East and West gives it an equally unique chance to establish itself as a promising commercial, economic, and political partner in the region. But this can only happen if it can put aside the ideological elements of its foreign policy.

Keywords:

Turkey, Balkan countries, foreign policy, economy, trade, cultural influence.

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