The evolution of Turkish-Georgian relations: new trends (economic and military-political aspects)

Abstract

The South Caucasus is a specific region in the whole political history of mankind. For centuries this region, acting as a bridge between the countries of the East and West, has been in a clash centre of religions, civilizations, nations and states. At the present stage, global and regional actors of international relations began to express their interests in the spread of their own influence over the region. Turkey, the main goal of which is to become a regional leader, has also joined this great game. In terms of implementing this policy Turkey highly appreciated the geographic location of Georgia, fulfilling the role of a bridge between Turkey and the Turkic-speaking world. Since the mid-1990s Turkey has actively penetrated to this country, spreading its influence in almost all spheres and providing a reliable corridor for penetration into the Turkic-speaking states. Georgia, in its turn, began to view Turkey as a reliable political and economic partner both in bilateral relations and in the regional dimension. The main motivation for Georgia is its integration into the Euro-Atlantic alliance with the help of Turkey. Thus, the interest of the two countries led them to bilateral corporation in almost all spheres, at the same time leaving some problems and contradictions in the second plan. In the article has been reviewed the role and the place of Georgia in Turkey’s foreign policy in the regional context. This article explores the evolution of Turkish-Georgian relations, considers new trends in bilateral relations at the present stage. In the article has been analyzed Turkish-Georgian economic and military-political relations. General conclusions were made in regard to new trends in Turkish-Georgian relations in the 21st century.