Balancing the Scales: Türkiye's Geopolitical Role Between China and the West

Abstract

Türkiye is a major actor in world geopolitics because of its advantageous position as a bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Its foreign policy strikes a careful balance between deepening its ties to China, especially in commerce and infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative, and preserving its historical relationships with the West, including through NATO and economic ties with the European Union. Domestic political factors, security concerns, and economic imperatives all influence this delicate balancing act. China offers economic prospects that put conventional alignments to the test, while Western alliances provide institutional and military stability. However, Türkiye's diplomatic moves are complicated by disputes over regional wars, defence plans, and human rights. Türkiye's public opinion is still fragmented, which reflects changes in global power dynamics. Assessing Türkiye's potential influence on regional and global power dynamics requires an understanding of its changing geopolitical strategy. This study investigates the ways in which Türkiye's foreign policy and the international order are impacted by its strategic location.