Türkiye-Alliance of Sahel States Relations: A Preliminary Appraisal

This article documents a preliminary appraisal of Türkiye’s relations with the newly formed Alliance of the Sahel States (AES), within the confines of security engagements, economic entanglements, and humanitarian/cultural interactions. To achieve this, the study investigates how the Heartland Theory and the smart power paradigm could assist in exploring Türkiye’s relations with the Alliance. Analyzing official documents and secondary data, the paper takes the view that defense and security engagements have taken center stage of the relations, relegating economic and humanitarian issues to the periphery. This shift positions Türkiye to play a very influential role in Sahelian affairs, particularly in their defense and security. Considering the stiff competition from key non-Western countries with vested interest in the region, especially China and Russia, Türkiye must carefully navigate its relations with regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and these other external actors to promote regional stability and cooperation. Amidst the growing discontent expressed by the Alliance towards the Western countries, Ankara is compelled to exert its influential role in a manner different from its predecessors.