ORGANIZATION OF TURKIC STATES: ORIGIN, MOTIVES, PARTICULARITIES AND INFLUENCE

Abstract

Based on the analysis of official documents of Turkic Council, Organization of Turkic States and the relevant media reports, the article examines the origin, motives, features and influence of Organization of Turkic States. The analysis shows that the internal structure of the Organization is highly systematized. Currently, OTS sets great development plans, although its five member-countries and two observer-countries have different aspirations. OTS has striking geopolitical features in terms of level of representation in Turkic-speaking populations. The author concludes that the prospects of OTS are limited by several conditions. First, the lack of internal motivation. Secondly, the absence of a continuous geographical space, which hinders the process of Turkic integration. Thirdly, the diversity of the geopolitical and geo-economic interests of its members and observer countries weakens the effectiveness of their collective actions. Fourthly, the efforts of the newly independent states to create a titular nation somewhat contradict the goals of Turkic integration. Moreover, OTS’s desire for integration in a wider space is a distant goal lacking strong leadership. However, OTS influences Central Asia, the ideological struggles of the respective countries, the initiative of the "Belt and Road" and the game of Major powers. In particular, the OTS is a serious challenge for Russia in its national security and foreign interests.