UNISCI DISCUSSION PAPERS, NO. 23, 2010.
Mustafa AYDIN
The emergence of newly independent states in the Caucasus at the end of the Cold War presented challenges toTurkey, while enlarging its role. The collapse of the Soviet Union removed the century-old Soviet/Russianthreat, while at the same time created a power vacuum on Turkey's borders. In this environment, Turkeybecame an important actor in the region as a result of its strong historical connections. While Turkey hadtraditionally avoided involvement in regional politics, it has since been drawn into the volatile new politics of the region. After twenty years, Turkey has become one of the important players in a region where itsinvolvement has particularly increased since August 2008 with its suggestion to establish a CaucasusCooperation and Stability Platform. Although its attempt to further engage Armenia is halted now and,economic and political conditions in the region are unlikely to stabilize for some years, it is without doubt thatTurkey will continue to create new networks of interdependency between Ankara and the regional capitals.
Keywords: Turkish policy, Caucasus, geopolitics, Stability Platform, rapprochement with Armenia, energy policies.