Russia-Turkey Relations (1991–2016): Diverging Interests and Compelling Realities

Abstract

Russia-Turkey relations since 1991 reveal the Near Abroad and regionalism/zero problems with the neighbours policies, which stipulate strong ties with the immediate outer circles in each state’s case. This inevitably produces diverging approaches because the two states’ immediate outer circles mostly overlap. However, economy as the linchpin of relations is often observed to function as the catalyst. Given the past record of continuity and change in the relations, divergences of interest and foreign policy behaviour should be construed as aspects of continuity in Russia-Turkey relations. As long as economy remains as the linchpin of overall relations, minding balances between geopolitical ambitions and economic stakes is likely to remain as the accustomed policy line of both states.