An international conference titled "Transformation and Integration in the Turkic World: Economy, Politics, and Technology" was held, hosted by Baku State University, and partnered by Hacı Bayram Veli University of Turkey, Girne American University of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Azerbaijan University of Tourism and Management, and Karabakh University. At the conference, attended by academics and experts from Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, speeches were delivered on the future plans of the Turkic world, and interesting presentations were heard during panel discussions.
After the event, Kadir Ertaç Çelik, a lecturer at Hacı Bayram Veli University in Turkey and an expert in international relations, who was a guest of "Xalq qəzeti", answered questions about the new world order, the Turkic world's position in this crucial period, and other global issues.
Modern.az website presents the interview with Kadir Ertaç Çelik:
– Mr. Kadir, today we are witnessing a new renaissance of the Turkic world. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is becoming a powerful center that produces technology, guides the global value chain, and creates innovation...
– Since the 1990s, the Turkic world began to claim one of the central roles in the international relations system. The main reason for this was the political and technological changes in the world and the constantly increasing international importance of our region during this time. That is, in terms of natural resources that feed the region's, let's say, circulatory system and their transportation to world markets, the Turkic world, of course, held great importance. This includes strategic deposits such as oil, natural gas, gold, and uranium mines owned by the Central Asian republics and Azerbaijan, a large geography with a population of approximately 170 million and a transport network extending to Europe. This great potential formed the basis of cooperation among the Turkic-speaking republics that gained their independence in those years. In the 2000s, the socio-economic crisis experienced worldwide and the beginning of the erosion of the unipolar hegemony of the United States became factors determining the new order.
– How would you evaluate the steps taken by the OTS towards becoming a global power in this new order?
– In that period when the international order was disrupted, Turkey began to play a multipolar power role within a system that had been under the control of "great powers" for many years. Turkey, which signed an international cooperation agreement with Russia in 2001 and started strategic relations with China in 2005, gradually began to gather Turkic-speaking countries around itself. These countries, organized with the Nakhchivan agreement in 2009, confirmed the name of the new organization as the Organization of Turkic States at the Istanbul Summit after the 44-day Patriotic War, which ended with Azerbaijan's Victory. The OTS also left behind the stage of transforming from common trade-economic relations to a regional power where political decisions are made jointly. This is a demonstration of the respect and sincerity of the political leaders and peoples of the Turkic states for common history and national values. Azerbaijan's victory in the Karabakh war gave a serious impetus to the strengthening of military relations between these countries. Now, the Zangezur corridor, called TRIPP, will be a historical and social project, as well as the path leading the Turkic world to the Turan union. Its transformation into a political union will happen automatically. That is, we are talking about a model similar to the European Union. But it will have its unique features. In short, we are seeing the fruits of the seeds sown in the 90s.
– US-Central Asia relations are on the agenda. Last year, the heads of 5 Central Asian states met with President Donald Trump at the White House. Subsequently, theses were voiced about Azerbaijan also joining this format. So, how do you see the prospect of the "5+1" transitioning to a "6+1" format?
– First, let's say that there are two important points that determine the United States' increasing interest in this region. The first point is its plan to continue world hegemony, and the second is to prevent the integration of another power – China – into the West, which could disrupt this plan. The railways built by landlocked Central Asia over the gulf are branches that provide land-to-sea access via North-South, East-West routes. The US Central Asia plan, which began with the invasion of Afghanistan, aims to strengthen its presence in the region by depriving Russia on one side and China on the other of these junctions. Because after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the influx into Central Asia from outside was gradually strengthening. To prevent this influx, Russia succeeded in creating a number of organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Although the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was a regional platform in which China participated, Beijing did not seem very enthusiastic about intervening in the economically weakened region at that time. So, the US decided to pursue its interests in Central Asia amidst weakening Western influence and increasing Eastern intervention. These interests are based on possessing hydrogen sources, uranium deposits, as well as other rare minerals in the region. The developed industry of the West needs Azerbaijani oil and gas. Official Washington is trying to control this wealth. But at this time, China aims to activate old trade networks, primarily the Silk Road, within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" project, which will undermine America's economic power. The US has started cooperation with Central Asian countries in the format you mentioned precisely to hinder this project. Here, the importance of the land transport network passing through Turkey, the Middle Corridor, especially the Zangezur corridor, increases.
– Can the idea of the "Abraham Accords" be considered part of Washington's plan?
– Yes, the "Abraham Accords" are conceived as a strategic project that will guarantee US security in both Central Asia and the Middle East. Probably the continuation of your question will be about where Azerbaijan stands in this context. Azerbaijan is the gateway to the Turkic world. Azerbaijan is the transit bridge that carries the energy resources of the Turkic world to the West. Unlike Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan is closer to Europe. Here, in addition to trade and economic relations, there are common points in the context of political approaches and international relations. That is, due to these factors, the US has to take into account Azerbaijan's regional interests. If Central Asian states want to act from the same platform as Azerbaijan, the most correct option is for them to be guided by a balanced approach diplomacy like Baku. We are talking about the diplomacy of pursuing a policy of cooperation with Russia on one hand, Europe on the other, and the US on the other. However, at this time, it should be taken into account that for Washington, the Middle East and Central Asia projects go beyond even the North Atlantic Alliance...
– We would like to bring our last question to Turkey. Turkey is a country that has confirmed its status as a global peacemaking force between the warring parties in two ongoing conflicts. How do you envision the continuation of this status?
– During the Cold War, which lasted from 1946 to 1990, Turkey was a medium-sized neutral country. But at the end of the last century, its role changed. Turkey became a "game-breaking" actor. This means that it was not possible to set up a game in our country's close vicinity that bypassed Ankara. Now, Turkey has gone even further and has the status of a "game-setting" power. That is, it is a country capable of geopolitically directing events happening outside the region. This is an extremely positive and valuable development. It is precisely as a result of this that the parties in the Russia-Ukraine war turned to Turkey. Not only them, but also the US supports Ankara's mediation. Similarly, Turkey's peace-oriented activities in the Middle East conflict are accepted by everyone. We can give Syria as an example of this. Turkey's role in regulating military crises in Africa is undeniable. The Hormuz crisis, however, leaves all of these behind. To end this conflict and achieve peace, Ankara is a state that acts as a shield against military intervention by external powers in this geography. As a NATO member and a Muslim country, Turkey even manages to form an international force against US-Russia-China confrontations.
– Mr. Kadir, we thank you for accepting our invitation and for your interesting answers.
– I also express my gratitude for the compliment shown.
