Abstract: The coronavirus pandemic has become a classic "black swan" and has made significant adjustments to international relations. The Republic of Turkey, considering the Central Asian region (CA) as an important direction of its foreign policy, also faced the need to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. Based on this, the subject of this article is the relations between Turkey and the Central Asian countries after the outbreak of the pandemic, as well as the identification of new foreign policy tools that Turkey has used in practice to adapt its course in Central Asia. The purpose of the study was to analyze the results of Turkish policy in the region during the designated period.
Based on the review of the array of factual data, a new direction of Turkish policy towards the Central Asian countries is indicated – the promotion of the symbolic capital of the victory of the "Turkic world" in the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in the autumn of 2020, as well as the attempts being made to consolidate on this basis. The analysis of cases that, according to the authors, may affect relations between Turkey and some countries of the region in the medium term is carried out.
The conclusion is made about the short-term growth of Turkey's influence in the region and the potential interest of the Turks in the growth of instability in Central Asia, which the Turks are trying to use to maximize their course and discredit other external actors.

Abstract: The research subject is the peculiarities of modern political-military relations in the South Caucasus in the context of the Iran-Russia-Turkey Triangle. The author considers political-military relations in the region through the prism of national interests of regional actors, such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran; analyzes military and technical cooperation in the South Caucasus based on the example of Armenia and Azerbaijan; studies military expenditure of the countries of the region and military budgets of Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are one of the hotbeds of tension and conflicts of interests of Russia, Turkey and Iran. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the systematization of ideas about the modern state of political-military relations in the South Caucasus in terms of the regional actors’ influence on the regional security system. Based on the documents, facts and research works, the author formulates a conclusion about the condition and the prospects of development of modern political-military relations in the South Caucasus in the context of the Iran-Russia-Turkey Triangle. The success of Turkey in terms of strengthening its positions in the South Caucasus against the background of rising competition in the region is undoubtable. Turkey has managed not only to position itself as a strong regional actor, which is able to indirectly influence regional disputes settlement, but also to promote the military triumph of Azerbaijan, its key ally in the region. It will result in further extension of export of Turkish weapons to Azerbaijan, and deeper cooperation between these two countries in other spheres. It concerns Russia and Iran, which are interested in maintaining the balance of powers in the region.
 

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the analysis of Turkey-Syria conflict. The is to examine the causes and course of this confrontation from the perspective of historical prerequisites, as well as assess the prospects of further cooperation within the framework of transforming system of international relations and change in the regional balance of powers in the Near East. Detailed analysis is conducted on the policy of the leadership of the Republic of Turkey with regards to Syria since its foundation until the present. Special attention is turned to the Turkey’s current Near East policy, in which Ankara attempts to strengthen its positions in the region, using Syria as a space for implementation of its Neo-Ottoman ideas. The article also reveals a range of problems that impede normalization of the bilateral relations between Turkey and Syria at the present stage. The conclusion is substantiates that there is a high likelihood of continued confrontation between Turkey and Syria in the short-term perspective. It is noted that the situation may change under the condition of the change of power in both countries, and coming to power of the government oriented towards mutually beneficial regional cooperation.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the states-predeterminations. The goal lies in studying the peculiarities of genesis, functionality and demise of the states-predeterminations. Among such peculiarities author highlights the factors of neighborhood, historical development, religious and ethnical components. Focus is made on the essence and specificities of cross effect of the states-predeterminations, considering the possibility of transformation of their actions for the good of their own interests. Major attention is given to the potential impact of the states-predeterminations upon establishment of the environment of peace and environment of war within current system of international relations. The author particularly examines the factors contributing to consolidation or disunity of the states-predeterminations; as well as justifies the need of influencing the relations between the countries, rather than the birth or demise of the states-predeterminations. The author substantiates the heightened attention of the states towards each other, underlining that it can weaken or increase at certain stages. The relations between the states-predestinations are characterizes by the significant sustainability, but may be vulnerable to fluctuation. As from the perspective of world politics, the major conflicts occur between the most significant actors, which are the states-predeterminations, the author emphasizes the need for giving careful attention to them. Lack of due attention to the work with such types of countries may result in the large-scale uncontrolled conflicts that have led to the world wars. This is related to the fact that under such circumstances, the states are bounded by a fine threat that may either improve the global political environment, or contribute to its failure.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the states-predeterminations. The goal lies in studying the peculiarities of genesis, functionality and demise of the states-predeterminations. Among such peculiarities author highlights the factors of neighborhood, historical development, religious and ethnical components. Focus is made on the essence and specificities of cross effect of the states-predeterminations, considering the possibility of transformation of their actions for the good of their own interests. Major attention is given to the potential impact of the states-predeterminations upon establishment of the environment of peace and environment of war within current system of international relations. The author particularly examines the factors contributing to consolidation or disunity of the states-predeterminations; as well as justifies the need of influencing the relations between the countries, rather than the birth or demise of the states-predeterminations. The author substantiates the heightened attention of the states towards each other, underlining that it can weaken or increase at certain stages. The relations between the states-predestinations are characterizes by the significant sustainability, but may be vulnerable to fluctuation. As from the perspective of world politics, the major conflicts occur between the most significant actors, which are the states-predeterminations, the author emphasizes the need for giving careful attention to them. Lack of due attention to the work with such types of countries may result in the large-scale uncontrolled conflicts that have led to the world wars. This is related to the fact that under such circumstances, the states are bounded by a fine threat that may either improve the global political environment, or contribute to its failure.

Abstract: The article is aimed at defining the ideology and value-based principles in Turkic post-Soviet states. Particularly, the author considers the states of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The author proceeds from the fact that after the collapse of the USSR, these states initiated self-identification processes. Therefore, at the present moment, it is important to trace back the principles of the ideology- and value-based factor in the foreign policy of the states of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The author gives special attention to the analysis of official documents reflecting the foreign policy course of the post-Soviet states containing the main ideas of national identity. Analyzing foreign policy documents of the states, the author emphasizes that, in basic terms, western-oriented narratives can be traced, transformed according to the national specificity of Turkic states.
Foreign policy ideology of the states is based on the aspiration to become more sovereign and independent of external influence.
It’s important to understand that Turkey has ideological influence on Turkic people of the post-Soviet political space, and it also affects the interrelations between Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The author also notes the significance of the Turkic factor in Russia’s foreign policy in the context of cooperation. 
 

Abstract: The authors of the article focus on the efforts of the Republic of Turkey to strengthen its position in the Middle East. The subject of the study is the tools and mechanisms used by Ankara in pursuit of its own foreign policy interests in the region. Such mechanisms as military operations in the territory of the neighbouring States, military exercises, military bases construction, attraction of investment in their own economy, direct investment in the economy of the States in the region, as well as provision of humanitarian aid are the focus of the authors' attention.  The article places a heavy emphasis on the impact and emerging trends connected with the use of these tools. Given absence of Turkey's open foreign policy conception, the authors refer to such applied methods of political analysis as a content and event analysis as well as a comparative analysis to consider the implemented tools and to identify the existing trends. The scientific novelty of the study lies in introduction of Turkey's foreign policy instruments classification according to the spheres of their application. The main conclusion of the study is as follows: Turkey applies a full range of available foreign policy mechanisms and tools to create a favourable configuration of the Middle East and pursues an independent foreign policy based on its own national interests. 

Abstract: The object of the study is a multinational Turkic world and international Turkic organizations; the subject is the actions taken by certain countries, particularly the Republic of Turkey, against the Turkic States of the world community. The aim of the study is to identify the reasons which allowed the international Turkic organizations to occupy a significant place in the system of international relations today. The author also considers the most important aspects and history of formation of a new subsystem of modern international relations – the Turkic world; as well as the role of the actors of global processes involved in its establishment. The author provides a brief analysis of the development of Pan-Turkist sentiments in Turkey and gradual extension of these ideas to the territory of the post-Soviet space and the Russian Federation in the 1990s through Turkic organizations and other "soft power" tools, as well as attempts to justify the principles of such Turkish organizations as TIKA and TURKSOY and their main objectives.  The study addressed the principles of cooperation between the Turkic States, as well as with the external players in the political, economic and socio-cultural spheres. The conducted research concludes that the efforts of the Turkish Republic to impose its values are the result of "Neo – Ottomanism" policy, where the Turkic world is used as a means of strengthening its position on the world scene on the road to transformation of the State into a supra-regional power.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the sector of non-profit organizations in the Republic of Turkey at its present stage. The article thoroughly explores the legal nature of the non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Turkey, historical peculiarities of the developments of NPOs, as well as their role in formation of the political course of the country and resolution of social issues. The work provides typology for the existing NPOs in Turkey. Special attention is given to the analysis of the spectrum of functionality of the NPO sector on the example of the largest and most influential Turkish NPOs at the present stage. Author’s contribution into advancement of this topic consists in simultaneous legal and political analysis of the functionality of the NPOs. The main conclusions allowed determining the vectors for structuring possible cooperation between Turkey and Russia, as well as predict the role they will play in the political of the Republic of Turkey in the near future.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the sector of non-profit organizations in the Republic of Turkey at its present stage. The article thoroughly explores the legal nature of the non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Turkey, historical peculiarities of the developments of NPOs, as well as their role in formation of the political course of the country and resolution of social issues. The work provides typology for the existing NPOs in Turkey. Special attention is given to the analysis of the spectrum of functionality of the NPO sector on the example of the largest and most influential Turkish NPOs at the present stage. Author’s contribution into advancement of this topic consists in simultaneous legal and political analysis of the functionality of the NPOs. The main conclusions allowed determining the vectors for structuring possible cooperation between Turkey and Russia, as well as predict the role they will play in the political of the Republic of Turkey in the near future.

Abstract:  
This article focuses on the problem of perception of the phenomenon of political protest in the Arab East. The subject of this research is the peculiarities of interpretation of the concept of revolution by the representatives of the Arab political elite, journalism, and academic circles. The attention is centered around the nuances of differentiation of the forms of protest culture – the dissimilarities between such notions as rebellion, revolt, uprising, turmoil, and revolution. The work also considers the dichotomy between the conceptual and applied content of the revolutionary process, problematic of using the religious symbols and names in protests in the Arab East, perception of the factor of foreign interference into the revolution on the territory of Arab states, etc. The scientific novelty is formed by the meticulous analysis of the accessible speeches, addresses, and commentaries of the two axis powers for the Arab world – Syria and Egypt. The unique history of development of the protest culture in the aforementioned stated, the remarkable civilizational and cultural heritage complemented by the factors of geostrategic importance, allows extrapolating the results of research onto the others societies and states. The presented in the article scope of data and detailed list of the sources allow verifying the quantitative side of the analysis, as well as provide the foundation for further research on the topic at hand.
 

Abstract: The subject of this research is the identity of a modern citizen of Turkey. The article examines the key peculiarities of establishment of Turkish identity and factors that affect its formation in the context of the conducted in the country reforms of domestic and foreign policy, as well as changes taking place in the region and international political arena. Special attention is given to the main political trends and their impact upon the transformation of the subject to disintegration over the recent years identity of Turkey’s citizen, who faces new challenges in search for his place in the country and the world. The main conclusion is based on the analysis of historical and political facts and consist in the following: as a result of internal and external identity crisis, the Republic of Turkey will either move to a new level, having determined its own way of development and preserving territorial integrity, or will face a large crisis.

Abstract: The article analyzes the reforms of the "silent revolution" performed by the leader of the Justice and Development Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan since 2002. The paper considers transformations in the spheres of the interior and foreign policy. The author compares President Erdogan with "The Father of the Nation" Mustafa Kemal, and points at similarities of their rhetoric. The author emphasizes the importance of the revolutionary nature of the reforms, which had helped the Turkish President to gain absolute power. The author analyzes Erdogan's and Atatürk's reforms using the system approach. It allows forming a comprehensive view of the performed transformations and links between them. The scientific novelty consists in comparing two Turkish leaders - Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mustafa Kemal in terms of their reforms and rhetoric. The author concludes that Erdogan draws a parallel between his transformations and the reforms of the first Turkish president. Using this parallel, he wants to form a positive image of the reforms performed by the Justice and Development Party. 

Abstract: In this article the authors examine in detail the issue of the changes taking place in the Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic, drawing the reader's attention to the historical reasons for their role in the country, analyzing the reforms undertaken by the Justice and Development Party with relation to the army, and highlighting the importance of the government's development of its own military-industrial complex. The object of this research is the early stage of the new Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic. The study's subject is the key factors that determined the nature and dynamics of the process of changing the army's role in the government. As a methodological base for this study the authors used elements of the systematic approach, examining the studied object as a complex, whose properties are not the summation of the properties of all of its elements. The collection of variables obtained a practical meaning, being placed in the framework of a single system, thus allowing a full overview of the issue from all sides. The scientific novelty of the presented material lies in the study's results, which demonstrate the complete picture of the process that as a consequence allows to analyze the events taking place in Turkey with relation to the subject of the research. The study's results permitted the authors to come to the conclusion of the extreme importance of the development of the Turkish government and its future, and of the political solutions that will soon be decided upon by the country's authorities.

Abstract: The object of the research is the foreign policy discourse of the Turkish establishment in relation to Russia, first of all, during the turning period of 2015 and 2016. The author of the article focuses on individual lexical preferences of the Turkish leader Erdogan. Avatkov examines forms and methods used by the Turkish leader to express his thoughts both from the philological and politological points of view. Special emphasis is made on introduction of this or that text in a certain political context that deines lexical and phraseological preferences of the speaker taking into account particular features of the audience. The article is based on the discourse analysis that involves both philological and politological methods to study politicians' speeches. The main conclusion made by the author is that there has been a growth in the number of negative connotations in the Turkish political establishment in relation to Russia throughout 2015 starting from the events when Crimea joined Russia and geopolitical disagreements between the two countries appeared. This fact has had a certain impact on the overal radicalization of foreign policy and rhetorics by the Turkish leadership.

Abstract: The research subject is the internal policy crisis in Turkey in August 2014 – April 2017. Special attention is given to the process of overcoming the split on different levels of the political system: certain parties, the Parliament, the country. The author considers the results of the struggle of the Justice and Development Party against these problems, the peculiarities of formation of a stable political situation in Turkey, and the reasons for fundamental political reforms of 2017. The author evaluates the results of the referendum of 16 April, and makes forecasts about the future development of Turkey’s internal and foreign policy. The research methodology is based on the principles of system analysis, the comparative-historical and logical-intuitional approaches used as a whole. The scientific novelty of the study is connected with embedding internal policy process in Turkey into the foreign policy process of the country and the international political environment in the context of the constitutional referendum of 16 April 2017. The author analyzes the present and the possible behavior of internal and external actors. 

Abstract: The author carefully examines the problematic of the establishment of national identity in modern Russian state, focusing reader’s attention on the difference in meanings of the notions “nation” and “nationality”, as well as analyzing the approaches towards formation of the joint through the unique features and logics of multinational state. The object of this research is the nation as the sociopolitical phenomenon. The subject is the key factors, which determine the character and dynamics of the process of formation of nation, as well as relevant tools and mechanisms in the context of nation-building. The combination of variables (ideologemes, indoctrinated saturation, historical context) attains a different academic and applied meaning being within the framework of the unified system, and allowing reviewing the problem of formation of the nation as the complex of interconnected and mutually influencing elements within the interpolitical dynamics of development of the Russian Federation. The scientific novelty of the presented material consists in the results regarding the practical recommendations to the mechanisms of state and social activity in the area of structuring of national identity. The conclusion is made about the urgent importance of the Russia’s current historical stage from the perspective of search for the national ideas, influence of the national bonds upon sustainability of the state model, risk factors that in absence of proper policy and control can result serious threats to development of the nation.

Abstract: The research object is Russia’s foreign policy towards the Middle East countries at the present stage of development of international relations. Special attention is given to the problems of Russia’s transition from the defensive foreign policy to the offensive one. The authors study the Syrian direction and note that Russia’s military operation in Syria has denoted the restoration of the Middle East region as one of the top priority directions of Russia’s foreign policy. This direction needs a more detailed study of the peculiarities of political links between state and non-state actors within the Middle East region and beyond, and a certain transformation of Russia’s foreign policy in this direction for the purpose of broadening the possibilities of cooperation and interaction and more flexible responses to the new challenges and threats. The study is based on the system analysis and comparison of interrelation between Russia and the Middle East, and the comparison of various stages of development of relations with particular states in the post-bipolar period. The authors apply the method of modeling to create a model of relations with the Middle East countries which would be the most beneficial for Russia. This study is one of the first complex analyses of Russia’s relations with the Middle East in the context of a dramatic transformation of the international relations subsystem in this region, connected with a gradual reorientation of the region to the independent solution of the problems, connected, primarily, with the Islamic State. The authors suppose that Russia needs to change its policy towards the Middle East, to initiate proactive foreign policy in its relations with all states. Otherwise, in the context of interregional cooperation strengthening, Russia would lose the possibility to have an impact on the developments in the region.