Gokhan Bacik

Turkey and Pipeline Politics

Abstract This article studies how Turkey has adapted itself to the post‐Cold War conditions in functional energy strategy that is practical in connecting Turkey to the several major energy markets and resources. Along with important bilateral agreements, Turkey has managed to connect itself to the main energy markets, including the European energy market, through complex energy projects. In this sense, it can be argued that Turkey has contributed to the emergence of an energy regime in Eurasia.

The rise of nationalist action party and Turkish politics

The Nationalist Action Party (NAP) finished second in the April 1999 Turkish parliamentary elections, with 18 per cent of the total vote. The NAPs unprecedented success came as a surprise to Turkish political life. Even the top leaders of the NAP had not anticipated such a resounding success, at least a 100 per cent increase in performance over the previous elections of 1995. This electoral success led many experts to comment that Turkish politics is shifting to nationalist radicalism. This triumph of the NAP, however, in our view, is a product of the events of Turkish political life since 1997. Over this short period of time, Turkeys political system has witnessed a broad set of extraordinary events that have brought a new power configuration to the forefront. This new political atmosphere validated the NAPs ideological compromise between conflicting demands of nationalist, Islamist and secularist positions in the Turkish political system.

Turkey and the BRICS: Can Turkey Join the BRICS?

Abstract There is growing Turkish interest in the BRICS, and an ever-growing positive public perception of them. Criticism is rare, as the BRICS are interpreted as an important alternative direction in pursuit of global prestige and a new role for Turkey. Although, there is yet to be a well-defined official strategy, Ankara is interested in increasing its relationship with the BRICS. This paper aims to analyze three intertwined questions that intrude upon the putative relationship: What does “the BRICS” mean? A study of Turkeys position vis-à-vis the BRICS requires an analysis of the latter in terms of their nature, evolution and vision. What are the similarities and differences between Turkey and the BRICS? Is Turkey already a BRICS country? Or, is Turkey only eligible for BRICS membership? What are the pros and cons of a possible Turkish membership of the BRICS consortium?

The Impediments to Establish an Energy-Regime in Caucasia

The aim of this paper is to analyze whether there is a satisfying ground for a functioning energy regime in Caucasia. In this paper, our basic assumption is as follows: Given the problematic nature of the regional politics, it is hardly possible to enhance regional cooperation through bilateral relations. The nature of regional politics, here, limits actors’ behaviors.