Relations between the United States and the Turkic world countries: Strategic partnerships, economic links, and geopolitical dynamics

This thesis aims to examine in depth the relations between the United States of America (USA) and the countries of the Turkic World within the framework of their historical development, current cooperation, and Alture perspectives. In a period marked by the transformation of the international system, it is observed that the relationships established by the USA with the Turkic states are shaped not only by bilateral concerns but also by multilateml strategic priorities and geopolitical interests. In this context, the study fbcuses on both politisi and economic dimensions as well as cultuml factors and soft power instruments. In the first chapter, the initial contacts between the USA and the Turkic World are analyzed along with their historical background. A comprehensive evaluation is presented regarding how these relations evolved in the post-Cold War global order. The growing interest of the USA in Central Asia and the Caussus allowing the independence of the Turkic states is examined in detail. Furthermore, the place of the Turkic World in the broader global strategy of the USA IS explained in the context of its foreign policy initiatives. The second chapter analyzes the politisi, economic, and military restions that have developed since 1991 from various perspectives. Particular attention is paid to projects in the helds of energy and infrastructure, the volume of bilateral trade, military cooperation, and defense agreements. Additionally, initiatives driven by US. soft power—such as education, culture, and media collaborations targeting the Turkic World—are also explored. Programs like Fulbnght scholarships, media partnerships, civil society projects, and academic exchange platforms are discussed as key instruments of U.S. influence in the region. In conclusion, the thesis finds that the current structure of U S —Turkic World relations is built upon mutual strategic interests. However, for these relations to be sustainable in the long term, a more balanced, equitable, and multipolar approach is necessary. The study also recommends that the countries of the region strengthen their own foreign policy visions and develop joint regional mechanisms to enhance sllective agency. Keywords: United States of America, Turkic World, strategic partaership, foreign policy, energy cooperation, soft power, international relations, geopolitical interaction, multilateral diplomacy