#SouthCaucasus The Turkic agenda and the Turkic #illusions of #IlhamAliyev https://thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-turkic-agenda-and-turkic-illusions.html Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Aliyev views this “Turkic agenda” as a major geopoliti

#SouthCaucasus
The Turkic agenda and the Turkic  #illusions of  #IlhamAliyev  thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…
Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Aliyev views this “Turkic agenda” as a major geopolitical force, while the “illusions” part of the phrase likely refers to external (often critical or skeptical) interpretations of the ultimate feasibility or goals of such a unified vision.The phrase “The Turkic agenda and the Turkic illusions of Ilham Aliyev” refers to the analysis and critical commentary surrounding the Azerbaijani president’s proactive foreign policy of deepening integration within the Turkic world, primarily through the
Ilham Aliyev’s “Turkic Agenda”
President Aliyev has consistently made strengthening ties with other Turkic nations a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, aiming to transform historical and cultural commonalities into concrete political, economic, and security cooperation. Key aspects include:
Elevating the OTS: Aliyev asserts the OTS has evolved from a mere cooperation platform into a “significant geopolitical center”.
Economic and Connectivity Projects: A major focus is on enhancing transport and logistics links, such as the “Middle Corridor” (connecting Central Asia, the Caspian, and Europe), and energy cooperation to ensure regional stability and autonomy.
Defense and Security Cooperation: Aliyev has proposed joint military exercises among Turkic states and stressed the importance of increasing cooperation in the defense industry, framing it as a “collective shield”.
“One Nation, Two States” Philosophy: Relations with Turkey, in particular, are described as an alliance and a “key factor of security” in the region, solidifying the “one nation, two states” principle.
Critical Interpretations (“Turkic Illusions”)
The “illusions” part of the phrase is generally used by critics or skeptics who view the agenda as overly ambitious or potentially destabilizing.
Pan-Turkism Concerns: Some external observers, particularly in neighboring countries like Armenia, express concern that this agenda represents a push for an expansive, nationalistic “Great Turan” ideology, which they view as a potential threat to regional stability.
Geopolitical Competition: The agenda is viewed by some as an attempt to create a new, autonomous power bloc that bypasses traditional centers of influence like Russia or the West, which may be met with resistance from those powers.
Pragmatism vs. Ideology: Skeptics might argue that the deep-seated “unity” is more of a rhetorical device than a practical reality, suggesting that the diverse economic and political interests of the various Turkic states will ultimately limit the extent of true integration.
In essence, the phrase highlights the tension between Aliyev’s ambitious vision for a unified Turkic world and the various geopolitical realities and external interpretations that view this vision with a degree of skepticism or alarm.
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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 17, 2025