STRATEGIES OF TURKEY’S REGIONAL INFLUENCE IN CENTRAL ASIA UNDER CONDITIONS OF GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITION

Abstract

In the context of global transformations in the system of international relations, including the rise of multipolarity and increasing competition for influence over strategically important regions, the study of Turkey’s interaction with Central Asia acquires particular relevance. It enables an assessment not only of Turkey’s role in regional politics but also of the broader geopolitical processes shaping the future of Eurasia. The growing importance of soft power in international relations further enhances the relevance of this research, as Turkey actively employs this instrument to strengthen its influence in Central Asia.

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the strategies and instruments of Turkey’s influence in Central Asia under conditions of multipolar geopolitical competition. The main areas of research include economic and trade cooperation, energy projects, transport and logistics initiatives, as well as mechanisms of cultural diplomacy and soft power.

The scientific significance of the study lies in the systematization of the factors and mechanisms underlying the expansion of Turkey’s regional presence and in identifying the specific features of its positioning as an independent actor in Eurasia. The practical significance stems from the possibility of applying the findings in the development of foreign policy and economic strategies of the states of the region. The methodological framework is based on systemic and comparative analysis, elements of the geopolitical approach, and the examination of official documents, statistical data, and expert assessments.

The findings demonstrate that Turkey consistently strengthens its position in Central Asia through the diversification of economic ties, the development of energy infrastructure, and the promotion of cultural and humanitarian initiatives. The study concludes that a model of multi-vector interaction is emerging, in which regional states seek to balance between competing centers of power. The value of the research lies in clarifying Turkey’s role within the contemporary system of international relations and expanding scholarly understanding of geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia.