The Ideology of Neo-Ottomanism and Regional Security of the South Caucasus Countries

Abstract

Neo-Ottomanism is an intellectual and ideological doctrine of modern Turkish foreign policy, which is related to the role and inte­rests of Turkey in expanding its political, economic, and cultural infl­uence in regions that were historically associated with the Ottoman Empire. Neo-Ottomanism has become particularly relevant in the 21st century, as Turkey has begun to reconsider its foreign policy priorities in the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and regions of the for­mer Ottoman Empire.

Neo-Ottomanism emphasizes linguistic, cultural, and religious ties with the states of the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as with former Ottoman territories. It challenges the Western orientation of foreign policy during the Republican and early Cold War periods. It is perceived as a paradigm shift from earlier foreign policies.

Neo-Ottomanism, as one of the central elements of the foreign policy of the modern Turkish state, aims to strengthen Ankara's infl­u­ence in regions that are historically, culturally, or economically linked to the Ottoman Empire.

Central among these regions is the South Caucasus, a region th­at is a strategic transit corridor for energy resources, a military-geo­political platform, and a competitive space between Russia and Tur­key.