Cooperation Mechanisms of Turkish-Speaking Countries in the Period from 1991 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction. Studying the cooperation strategies of Turkish-speaking countries has important practical significance. Establishing cooperation mechanisms is an important way to implement cooperation strategies. The purpose of this study is to attempt to comprehensively analyze the process of establishing cooperation mechanisms among Turkish-speaking countries over the past 33 years. Methods and materials. The research on the cooperation mechanisms of Turkish-speaking countries in the international academic community can be divided into two stages: before and after the establishment of the Organization of Turkic States. However, these studies have not systematically revealed the fundamental changes and development prospects of the cooperation mechanisms among Turkish-speaking countries. This article aims to address these issues through the methods of case studies and comparative analysis. Analysis. Turkish-speaking countries have experienced four stages of establishing cooperation mechanisms, marked by the convening of the Summits of heads of Turkish-speaking states (1991–2008), the establishment of the Turkic Council (2009–2018), expanding its membership (from 2018 to November 2021), and its renaming to the Organization of Turkic States (from November 2021). Results. This study draws the several conclusions. Firstly, in the post-Soviet era, Turkish-speaking countries have worked hard to form discussions on the nature and prospects of their relations, which has led to changes in the cooperative narrative logic, actors, and characteristics of activities in the “Turkic world.” Secondly, the main factor affecting the current and future cooperation of Turkish-speaking countries is their national interests, not pan-Turkism. Thirdly, one of the most important factors affecting the implementation of Türkiye’s cooperation strategy is the position of the Turkish-speaking countries in Central Asia. Fourthly, cooperation between Turkish-speaking countries is currently at its highest level. Based on the mechanisms they have established, these countries have the potential to become a pole in the multipolar world.