Investigation of the Organization of Turkic States from political and economic perspectives within the framework of integration theories

The aim of this study is to examine the regional integration process of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in terms of its political, economic and institutional dimensions, and to assess its future integration potential. The study examines the historical development, institutional structure and key policy areas of the OTS within the framework of regional integration theories. In this context, the Turkish World 2040 Vision Document, the OTS’s official documents, national and international reports, and academic studies have been analysed. As part of the research, the economic structures of member states, transport projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Zangezur Corridor, and the contributions of the Turkish Investment Fund to regional integration were assessed. Furthermore, the approaches of global and regional actors such as Russia, China, the United States, the European Union and Iran towards OTS integration were analysed. The findings indicate that the OTS is in the process of transforming from a structure based on cultural cooperation into a more institutionalised regional organisation that prioritises economic and strategic cooperation. However, it has been determined that economic disparities, geopolitical competition and institutional limitations are hindering the integration process. Consequently, it has been assessed that the OTS possesses significant integration potential in Eurasia; however, for this potential to be realised, economic and institutional cooperation must be further strengthened.