UNRAVELING TRANSNATIONAL STRATEGIES IN TURKISH-RUSSIAN RELATIONS: EXPLORING ITS 21ST CENTURY SIGNIFICANCE THROUGH HISTORICAL LEGACIES

This thesis examines the complex interplay of transnational strategies within Turkish-Russian relations, drawing from their shared historical legacies rooted in the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire. We emphasize the term “transnational” rather than “international” because the historical dynamics of the Turkish-Russian relationship have also influenced interactions with other major powers on the world stage, shaping policies that extend beyond their own borders and perspectives on the global order. Focusing on the transition from imperial pasts to modern state structures in the early 20th century, the study explores how historical policy behaviors from these empires continue to shape contemporary foreign policy decisions. Beginning with the Russo-Turkish conflicts spanning centuries, this research traces the evolution of their global positioning and policies on geopolitics and international relations. Despite periods of initial friendship, historical animosities and power struggles persisted across various regions. While the Republic of Türkiye and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) experienced a brief period of reconciliation after World War I, tensions resurfaced prior to World War II. Today, Turkish-Russian relations exhibit a balanced dynamic marked by robust diplomatic dialogue and strategic cooperation, particularly evident in regions such as the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Therefore, the thesis emphasizes how historical legacies persist in shaping contemporary foreign policy decisions and actions, elucidating the intricate interplay of interests and rivalries in the modern global landscape, with the Turkish-Russian relationship serving as a compelling case study. Key events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Second Karabakh War, the prevalence of politics of influence in the Balkans, and the ongoing civil war in Syria serve as focal points for analyzing these dynamics. By shedding light on the enduring significance of historical legacies, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Turkish-Russian relations and their implications for global politics in the 21st century.