The Role of Energy in Türkiye-Russia Relations: A View from the Perspective of Mutual Dependence

Abstract

Policies focusing on strategic energy resources play a key role in achieving certain goals of states by integrating them with other areas. Energy, in particular, has strategic importance and is one of the most critical issues in this context. Considering the opportunities and threats associated with strategic energy resources, the energy problem may be perceived as a chronic ailment that is difficult to solve for some states. It is also a fact that these resources increase the dependence of states. Energy is seen as a factor that forms the basis of interdependence in Turkish-Russian relations. With the increase in Türkiye’s energy needs, its energy relations with Russia have gained great importance in the 21st century. Russia, with its rich energy resources, plays an important role in Türkiye’s energy supply, and Türkiye is an important market for Russia’s energy exports. This study analyses the energy relations between Türkiye and Russia within the framework of interdependence theory. Despite the tensions in the political arena, energy relations have been and continue to be conducted according to the principle of interdependence. The study first introduces the interdependence theory and then analyses the energy policies and energy situation of both countries in detail. At the end of the study, the course of energy relations between Türkiye and Russia is analyzed, and a detailed evaluation is made.