It is well-known that the Central Asian region is surrounded by Great and Medium Powers who desire influence in the area. Turkey may not be the largest, richest, or closest power to the region, but its historical and ethnic connections to CA and its people loom large. The Journal of Turkish Weekly has written an analysis of the nation's policy toward CA.
They follow relations between the two groups from the CA states independence to today and what they call Turkey's ‘New Policy.’ They accurately discuss Turkey's ever changing foreign policy in the 1990s, sometimes insular and sometimes labeling itself a ‘bridge’ country. The report also comes to the conclusion, rightly so, that Turkey's attempt at joining the EU, though frustrating, has helped it create a more nuanced and well-rounded policy toward its close neighbors and all other great powers in the region.
The Weekly describes Turkey's ‘new policy’ toward the CA region as having 3 central features; 1. balancing its relations in the region with the other great powers, Russia, Iran, China, India, and Pakistan (in other words try not to step on anybody's toes) 2. Work on policy's that create stability and security in the region 3. Facilitate energy relations, especially regarding transportation routes. Turkey already plays a transit role in the BTC Caspian Sea pipeline and very much desires an increasing role in the Nabucco pipeline from Turkmenistan to Austria. The analysis also emphasizes Turkey's effective use of non-governmental, business, and civil society groups to further its relations and influence in the region.
Turkey can be a productive and democratic model for the states. And its current success, though with some problems, of having a democratic, Islamic-led government may have an even more influential role for the CA people and states. Turkey has also proven itself to be a stable and non-interfering regional power and therefore has a lot to teach not only the CA states, but also its powerful, meddling Great Power neighbors. Turkey 's role in moderating a water crisis seminar this May in Kyrgyzstan shows its value as a model of stability and capability for the region as a whole.
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