The term “stabilizing power”, coined by the head of the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate, Fahrettin Altun, mentioned in a review of a collection of articles "The Turkish Route" from the library of the Russian Council on International Affairs. The author of the review, Razil Guzayev from the Russian Academy of Sciences also draws attention to Türkiye's status as a "middle power" - a concept that is gaining new relevance today. It was introduced into scientific circulation in the 1960s in relation to countries with an important geographical position, which makes them attractive partners for great powers.
The transformation of international relations creates new opportunities: in the context of a changing world order, middle powers, including Türkiye, are increasing their influence, and strengthening their positions. Since Türkiye remains a strategic but complex partner for Russia, studying it requires going beyond traditional topics and analyzing little-studied aspects of Ankara’s policy. In this light, the collection “The Turkish Route” refreshes the vector of research.
The work combines new topics such as the evolution of intelligence, the development of the military-industrial complex and the impact of foreign technologies on the Turkish defense industry. The publication will be useful for both academic experts and practitioners, including diplomats, as it expands the understanding of Türkiye's contemporary foreign policy strategy.
Türkiye demonstrates its readiness for a new balance of power in its spheres of interest. A striking example is its support for Azerbaijan, which has strengthened Ankara’s influence in the South Caucasus. This success underlines the key aspect of its foreign strategy as a “stabilizing power” capable of ensuring security in the region. In addition, the Turkish state’s “World More Than Five” initiative emphasizes its desire to revise the existing world order.
Although Türkiye pursues an independent policy, it remains dependent on the West. Even as it increases its influence, Ankara is forced to maneuver between the interests of the US, the EU, and other centers of power, since it cannot completely sever ties with them. The country's own interests directly intersect with the spheres of Russia, China, and Iran.
The statement by Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan: “We don’t turn our backs on the East for the West, and we don’t neglect the West for the East” – reflects Ankara’s strategy of maneuvering between geopolitical centers of power. The author of one of the articles in the collection, political scientist Sergei Markedonov, notes that Western countries can use Türkiye as an instrument of pressure on Russia, China, and Iran.
Türkiye’s military policy remains one of the least studied, but critically important areas. The topic is explored on the pages of “The Turkish Route”, including in the works of Turkish authors. Despite successes in the development of UAVs, many national projects depend on Western technology. The crisis limits Ankara’s options, forcing it to support rather than develop the defense industry, which strengthens interaction with NATO.
Another problem is the weaknesses of the intelligence system. Although Turkish intelligence seems effective, its limitations – from bureaucracy and politicization to low motivation of employees – reduce real effectiveness. This is the subject of an article by Turkish author H. Karataş. It is important to note that familiarity with the “Turkish Route” allows one to look at the country’s politics in a comprehensive manner, since the collection presents works by authors from different political strata of Türkiye.
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