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Türkiye’s foreign policy strategy amid global geopolitical transformations

Torosyan T.S.,

Russian-Armenian University, Yerevan, Armenia, t.tigran@yahoo.com

ORCID: 0000-0003-3214-7579 | RESEARCHER_ID: NGR-0804-2025

Arshakyan G.M.,

Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia, garshakyan@gmail.com

ORCID: 0000-0003-3286-384X |

Article received: 2024.10.04 14:58. Accepted: 2025.10.07


DOI: 10.17976/jpps/2026.03.06
EDN: UTHVBW

Rubric: Orbis terrarum

For citation:

Torosyan T.S., Arshakyan G.M. Türkiye’s foreign policy strategy amid global geopolitical transformations. – Polis. Political Studies. 2026. No. 3. https://doi.org/10.17976/jpps/2026.03.06. EDN: UTHVBW (In Russ.)

Abstract

The article examines the key features of Türkiye’s foreign policy strategy in the context of global geopolitical transformations. As a model for its relations with major powers, the authors propose the concept of two-level balancing – a policy of manoeuvring between states with opposing interests (the first level) and of engaging with them through a combination of cooperation and confrontation (the second level). This approach proved effective under conditions of bipolarity and remains relevant in the context of an emerging international order. It plays a central role in Türkiye–US and Türkiye–Russia relations, particularly during periods of heightened tensions among great powers. While this approach expands opportunities for advancing national interests, it simultaneously generates new challenges for Türkiye as well as for both the United States and Russia. To identify the distinctive features of this model, the authors analyse key factors shaping great power relations, including intensifying competition over the formation of a new world order, countering the terrorist organizations, the Kurdish–Turkish conflict, and Russia’s presence in the region. The authors conclude that two-level balancing is not employed by Türkiye merely on an ad hoc basis, but rather constitutes a deliberate response to geopolitical challenges. Its implementation relies on both political and military instruments, which is made possible by the complexity of the international environment and the slow and uncoordinated response of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Keywords

Türkiyе, United States, Russia, Middle East, two-level strategic balancing, Syrian crisis, Kurdish factor, new world order.

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