Relations within the Turkic States and Guest/Observer States

1992 was a year that caused political unrest amongst states, especially those in Central Asia, after the arguably recent collapse of the Soviet Union and the newfound wave of sovereignty that took control of most post-Soviet States along with the Turkic States. Relations between states were either strained or established during these years, and even for considerably commanding states the political turmoil was challenging to steer through. Here you will be presented with very basic information regarding the foundation of the relations between the Turkic-originated states in Central Asia (with the addition of the Republic of Turkey) and a general view of them.

Here's an overview of the relations within the Turkic states during that year:

• Independence of Turkic States: Several Turkic-speaking nations in Central Asia attained independence with the fall of the Soviet Union. Along with Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, these nations had just attained independence. In their attempts to establish their sovereignty and forge their identities, this was a turning point in history.

• Ties and Shared History: The Turkic states share a common cultural and historical heritage, including linguistic ties. They all belong to the Turkic language family, although there may be variations in dialects. This shared heritage forms a basis for cooperation and cultural exchange.

• Economic Ties: Many of the Turkic states recognized the potential benefits of economic cooperation. They sought to foster trade and economic ties to capitalize on their geographic proximity and shared resources. Efforts were made to establish economic and trade agreements within the region.

• Regional Organizations: The Turkic states began to discuss creating regional organizations in 1992 to promote collaboration and coordination. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Republic of Turkey started holding the “Assembly of Turkic States” summits, which were established in 2009 to foster collaboration in a variety of areas, including commerce, cultural, and political discourse.

• Challenges and Tensions: Despite the shared cultural and historical ties, there were challenges and tensions among some of the Turkic states. Border disputes, differing political orientations, and concerns about regional influence could strain relations at times. Notably, Azerbaijan and Armenia were in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in the early 1990s, which had a regional impact.

• Role of Turkey: The Republic of Turkey, with its larger economy and historical connection to many Turkic-speaking states, played a prominent role in promoting cooperation within the Turkic world. Turkish leaders often expressed a desire for closer ties and greater solidarity among Turkic nations.

• Cultural Exchanges: Cultural exchanges, educational programs, and people-to-people contacts between Turkic States were on the rise. These exchanges were important in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cultural ties.

• Political Shifts: The political landscape in these states was undergoing transformations. Different Turkic states pursued various paths, from authoritarian systems to more democratic approaches, and these differences could impact their relations with one another. Determining their ties with strong superpowers was one of these states' most urgent concerns, with Russia playing a key role in this regard. Here is a summarized overview of the complex and varied nature of the Turkic nations' interactions with powerful superpowers at that time.

• Historical Ties: The Turkic states had a long history of interaction with Russia. Geographical proximity and a shared legacy from the Soviet era contributed to these historical ties. However, these ties were evolving as the Turkic states asserted their independence.

• Economic Interdependence: Economic cooperation was a significant factor in these relationships. Many of the Turkic states, especially those in Central Asia, relied on Russia as a major trading partner. Energy exports, trade agreements, and economic collaboration formed a cornerstone of these interactions.

• Pragmatic Politics: Turkic states in Central Asia, notably Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, adopted a pragmatic approach to relations with Russia. They recognized the need to maintain stable relations with Moscow while asserting their independence. This pragmatic approach allowed them to navigate the complexities of their newly gained sovereignty.

• Security Concerns: Some Turkic states had pressing security concerns that stemmed from potential regional instability and conflicts. They sought Russia's assistance in maintaining stability within their borders and across the broader Central Asian region. These concerns played a vital role in shaping their diplomatic interactions.

• The Balancing Act: The Turkic states, particularly Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, performed a delicate balancing act. They aimed to engage with Russia without becoming overly dependent on Moscow. The desire to avoid overreliance on any one superpower was a recurring theme in their foreign policy strategies.

• Conflict Resolution: The Turkic states, including Azerbaijan, were dealing with ongoing conflicts. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was a significant issue, and they sought external support for peaceful resolution. Russia played a role in these efforts, especially through its participation in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group.

• Emerging Power Dynamics: As the Turkic states sought to assert their independence, they also began to explore cooperation with other rising superpowers. These included the United States, China, and the Republic of Turkey. These fledgling relationships marked an effort to diversify their foreign policy options and reduce dependence on a single superpower.

• Cultural and Social Ties: Cultural and social connections remained strong between the Turkic states and Russia. The presence of significant Russian-speaking populations in some Turkic states, such as Kazakhstan, contributed to these ties and acted as a bridge for cultural exchange.