Cooperation paradigms in the South Caucasus. Making sense of Turkish-Georgian relations

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the dynamics of Turkish-Georgian relations with a particular emphasis on the post-United National Movement era. The paper discusses the determinants which shape and define the essence of the deepening of relations between Turkey and Georgia. The paper also looks upon the manifestations of Turkish “soft power” politics in Georgia. Primarily, it discusses various projects that Turkey carried out in the cultural, educational and humanitarian spheres. It addresses some issues of mutual discontent, which pop up in the bilateral relations from time to time, and argues that, parallel to expanding relations between two nations, there is a growing opposition against Turkey in Georgia supported by some political forces and the Georgian Orthodox Church.