Russian Policy Toward Turkey Since the 2010s

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Historically, the Ottoman Empire and Russia have had recurrent conflicting relations since the eighteenth century and, particularly, from the beginning of the "Eastern Question". Indeed, almost all the wars to which the Ottoman Empire was a party had Russia as an opponent. However, Russia's relations with the Republic of Turkey have been evolving. Indeed, the Soviet Union was one of the first countries to recognise the young Republic of Turkey. Then, during the Cold War, Turkey, which joined the Transatlantic Alliance in 1952, played a strategic role as NATO's Middle Eastern bulwark against the USSR. After the break-up of the USSR, the return of Russian regional dominance in the first decade of the twenty-first century led to competitive relations between Russia and Turkey. However, they have intensified and diversified since the 2010s. We will consider the evolution of Russian policy towards Turkey since the 2010 decade by analysing its stakes and the highlights of a complex strategic alliance. Russia's intervention in Syria in 2015 generated developments in its relationship with Turkey. From 2017, a turning point in the relations between Russia and Turkey has been the issue of the war exit and the future of Syria. In addition, in order to diversify its military logistical arms purchases and move away from a relationship of dependence on NATO, in 2017 Turkey intensified its rapprochement with Russia. Indeed, Russia procured S-400 air defence system missiles for Turkey and negotiated a nuclear energy agreement. This rapprochement between Russia and Turkey irritates the US and NATO, generating collateral effects.