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Pivot to Asia: Examining Türkiye’s Relations with the SCO, AIIB, and ASEAN

The study examines Türkiye’s pivot to Asia by analyzing its interactions with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through qualitative case analysis, the study explores Türkiye’s relations with these three organizations, focusing on systemic incentives, domestic objectives, and their interconnections. The findings reveal that Türkiye’s engagement with the SCO centers on political and security collaboration. However, full membership remains unattainable due to the SCO’s priorities and Türkiye’s alliance relations, such as NATO. Due to the strong partnership developed with AIIB, Türkiye has obtained significant amounts of financing from AIIB in connection with projects, renewable energy investments, and other issues related to its national agenda. Relations with ASEAN are progressing through sectoral dialogue partnership, aiming to strengthen institutional and economic ties despite limited trade impacts. The study concludes that Türkiye has successfully obtained significant economic benefits from AIIB for infrastructure projects and has enhanced its geopolitical influence by deepening ties with the SCO and ASEAN.

Pivot to Asia Examining Türkiye s Relations with the SCO
 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

In the 21st century, the international system has undergone significant changes in power relations, and during this period, Türkiye has encountered considerable challenges in its foreign policy. In particular, the 2008 economic crisis and the 2011-2012 Eurozone crisis partially diminished the economic power of the Western world. Meanwhile, Asia, with its growing economic potential and China’s rise as a global power, has become one of the most crucial regions in international politics. Simultaneously, Türkiye has faced the challenges posed by the Arab Spring and the Syrian Civil War. This process has had a significant negative impact not only on Türkiye’s relations with its Middle Eastern neighbors but also with the United States (U.S.) and Russia. In addition, there has been no concrete progress in Türkiye’s relations with the European Union (EU) due to issues such as Cyprus and visa exemptions.

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