Abstract
In 1991, Kyrgyzstan gained its independence, and started establishing direct links with the world beyond the Soviet frontier. To conduct foreign relations Kyrgyzstan opened its embassies and/or consulates in almost 30 countries. Turkey is one of the key partners for Kyrgyzstan and plays an important role in the country’s foreign relations (Note 1). This article aims to look at the development of Kyrgyzstan-Turkey relations from 1991 till 2012 focusing on the aspects of the political and educational cooperation. Cooperation in the political sphere is studied by looking at official statements at all levels and, participation and collaboration in multilateral structures. As for the educational sphere, the focus is mainly on Turkey’s various initiatives such as Turkish schools and universities, as well as student exchange programs that can be seen as one of the ‘soft power’ tools inevitably promoting Turkish culture and values. The paper shows asymmetric relationship in which Kyrgyzstan seeks to pursue multi-vector policy rendering certain limitations in the relationship. Kyrgyzstan is essentially eager to receive Turkish foreign policy initiatives. Turkish presence in Kyrgyzstan has mostly been confined to spheres of education and economy. This reliance on ‘soft power’ is attributed to the fact that Turkey seems to, at least for now, lack resources and willingness to challenge Russia, China and USA in the competition for political and military influence in Central Asia.
Highlights
For the purpose of placing the relations between the two countries in the framework of a particular theory of foreign policy, it is necessary to define foreign policy
This study aims to answer the following research questions: Does the concept of soft power adequately explains the Turkish foreign policy in Kyrgyzstan? The methods employed to answer the research question include conducting personal interviews with diplomats, reading numerous books and articles on Turkish foreign policy, soft power and Turkey-Kyrgyzstan relations since 1991 till present
For this purpose I studied the ‘soft power’ concept in order to understand whether it is helpful in explaining the relative success of Turkish foreign policy in Kyrgyzstan
Summary
For the purpose of placing the relations between the two countries in the framework of a particular theory of foreign policy, it is necessary to define foreign policy. The methods employed to answer the research question include conducting personal interviews with diplomats, reading numerous books and articles on Turkish foreign policy, soft power and Turkey-Kyrgyzstan relations since 1991 till present. Search for an adequate theoretical framework for the analysis of Kyrgyzstan-Turkey relations occupies a vital place in this study For this purpose I studied the ‘soft power’ concept in order to understand whether it is helpful in explaining the relative success of Turkish foreign policy in Kyrgyzstan. I used the following sources: official statements, speeches, as well as reports published by respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and Kyrgyzstan; articles, book chapters, books in Turkish, Russian, and English languages; interviews that I conducted with various experts, diplomats as well as secondary data. Apart from that I used internet resources such as official web-pages of Kyrgyz-Turkish universities, local, Turkish and international newspapers and journals
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