Foreign policy of the republic of Turkey towards the South Caucasus through the paradigm of neorealism theory

Abstract

The purpose of this Master’s Essay is to study the foreign policy of the Republic of Turkey towards the South Caucasus. The dissolution of the Soviet Union brought major geopolitical changes around the world. The South Caucasus became an important region where different great powers pursue their interests. After the collapse of the Soviet Union Turkey also started to get involved in the South Caucasus and tried to increase its role in this region by cooperating with the SC countries in different spheres. Turkey after the end of the Cold War emerged as a new player in this region. This study also analyzes Turkey-South Caucasus relations through the lenses of neorealism theory. The main points of neorelaism theory are applied to Turkey-SC relations by taking into consideration the main priorities of the Turkish foreign policy towards the South Caucasus.