The Putin era and energy geopolitics in Turkish-Russian relations

Energy is a significant input for the maintenance of vital activities. Both in 20th and 21th Century it has become one of the leading elements of economic development. The need for energy has also gradually increased due to the ever-increasing population of the world, the rapid technological developments and the growth requirements of states. During this period, alternative energies were slowly introduced and energy demand increased rapidly. This increase has led to the depletion of fossil fuels. While energy is important in all areas it has also become a "tool of diplomacy" in international relations. Consequently, oil and natural gas have gained strategic importance from an economic and political point of view. Currently, the Russian Federation, one of the largest energy exporting countries in the world, uses energy resources and pipelines as a successful foreign policy tool in order to maintain its hegemony in the field of energy. Russia, which also has strong influence over its immediate neighborhood, can also affect energy policies and the policies of the regional states in the direction it wants. This study analyses the effects of energy on foreign policy in the relationship between the Russian Federation and Turkey. It further analyses the requirements of Turkey to become a strategic country in energy sector. Consequently, the issues of diversification of Turkeys energy resources, its aim of becoming an energy hub and an energy transfer country has been analyzed in detail.