The Relations between Turkey and Russia: New Eurasian Alliance?

Russia and Turkey were “Historical enemies” for ages. There were 11 russo-turkish wars, centuries of competition and hostility. This policy resulted in enormous economical and demographic losses and formation of Independent Balkans – zone of instability, hostile to both empires. The last russo-turkish war destroyed Ottoman and Russian Empires. A short period of friendship in 20-30-es of the XX century was profitable for both Soviet Union and Turkey, but it finished with the beginning of the II World war.

Later on the relations were developing still rather poorly. For Russians, Turkey has remained, as before, the primordial contender on the Caucasus and Black sea, the carrier of a hostile culture and alien values, the instrument of American policy and NATO`s sentinel on the southern flank of the weakened Russian empire. For Turks, Russia, as in the old days, has been associated with threat – “the northern bear” – unpredictable, dangerous, and capricious.

At the beginning of the new century the situation changed quickly and dramatically. The russian and turkish business opened numerous projects and tens thousands of Russian tourists chose Turkey the best place to spend summer vacation.

The turning point is observed in political relations as well. The clear Eurasian policy of both states, the far-fetched threat of American intervention and common economic interests pulled Moscow and Ankara together, leveling regional contradictions between them. Turks and Russians relied on cooperation with each other and ousting the USA from the region. Putin’s and Erdogan`s policy makers came to the conclusion that both countries could not cardinally change the regional balance of forces, but together were able to resist American involvement. Vexing questions remain, but they are not causing as much concern as before and are currently viewed in the common context of geopolitical partnership. Ankara is still dissatisfied with the Russian military presence at Georgia and Armenia, and Moscow feels uncomfortable with Georgian-Turkish and Azeri-Turkish military cooperation.

History shows that hidden or neglected problems do not often disappear by themselves, they still have to be solved. Will this Moscow-Ankara based balance of power in the Central Asia last for long?

http://www.eastwest-review.com/article/relations-between-turkey-and-russia-new-eurasian-alliance