The Reinvigoration of the Organization of Turkic States amid Ongoing Geopolitical Unrest and Economic Uncertainty

Abstract

The recent regional events and the geopolitical consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian war have had a profound impact on the dynamics among Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the Central Asian Turkic states (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan). This shifting geopolitical landscape has been the catalyst of collaboration and integration for these countries under the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), an intergovernmental organization that aims to foster cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations. Being established in 2009, this emerging bloc has pursued a relatively low-profile policy on geopolitical issues in the past decade. However, after years of relatively little activity, things have started to change drastically due to the global situation that is being shaped by wider geopolitical factors. The OTS steadily began to pursue a more ambitious agenda and eventually helped bolster relations and stimulate regional socio-economic development efforts during the last four years, focusing on building stronger regional cooperation through ethnocultural links. The article examines how the Turkic alliance has stimulated functional cooperation through the facilitation of trade, investment, and economic cooperation among its members and observer states.