Pivot to Asia: Examining Türkiye’s Relations with the SCO, AIIB, and ASEAN

The study examines Türkiye’s pivot to Asia by analyzing its interactions with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through qualitative case analysis, the study explores Türkiye’s relations with these three organizations, focusing on systemic incentives, domestic objectives, and their interconnections. The findings reveal that Türkiye’s engagement with the SCO centers on political and security collaboration. However, full membership remains unattainable due to the SCO’s priorities and Türkiye’s alliance relations, such as NATO. Due to the strong partnership developed with AIIB, Türkiye has obtained significant amounts of financing from AIIB in connection with projects, renewable energy investments, and other issues related to its national agenda. Relations with ASEAN are progressing through sectoral dialogue partnership, aiming to strengthen institutional and economic ties despite limited trade impacts. The study concludes that Türkiye has successfully obtained significant economic benefits from AIIB for infrastructure projects and has enhanced its geopolitical influence by deepening ties with the SCO and ASEAN.