THE EURASIAN REGION IN THE AREA OF RUSSO-TURKISH RIVALRY

This study investigates the complexities and nuances of Russian-Turkish relations throughout the past century, particularly in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The discrepancies in national interests between these two nations predominantly manifest in geopolitically sensitive regions, notably the South Caucasus and the Middle East, where their overlapping spheres of influence have escalated tensions. This article rigorously examines the principal dimensions of the geopolitical rivalry between Russia and Turkey, placing particular emphasis on the conflicts occurring in the South Caucasus region. Historically, both nations have adeptly exploited regional conflicts as a pivotal strategy for projecting power and expanding their spheres of influence. A comprehensive analysis of the Nagorno-Karabakh wars, alongside the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict and the Georgian-Ossetian ‘Five-Day War’, underscores the fundamentally divergent interests of Moscow and Ankara. The investigation of these conflicts holds significant importance in the context of Russian-Turkish geopolitical competition, as their proliferation has led to a marked realignment of influence within the region.