As global competition intensifies between major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China, a new influential bloc is emerging in Eurasia: the “Turkic world.” This bloc, comprised of seven nations – Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) – is evolving beyond shared language and culture to turn into a key player in world affairs, with a population of 166 million and a combined GDP of $1.7 trillion.
While some observers draw comparisons to the European Union, which has approximately 450 million inhabitants, others consider this comparison “meaningless.” The Turkic world, with just seven member states compared to the EU’s 27, possesses a “concentrated power” that could reshape the global balance.
New Trade, Energy Hub
The Turkic world holds significant energy reserves, possessing 25 trillion cubic meters of natural gas – 13% of the world’s supply – exceeding the combined reserves of the U.S. And Saudi Arabia. However, its strategic importance lies in its role as the “heart” of critical energy corridors.
Pipelines like TANAP, TAP, TurkStream, BTC, and BTE are essential for Europe’s energy security. Despite sanctions against Russia following the war in Ukraine, over half of Russian gas exports to Europe in 2023 transited through these pipelines.
The region also controls approximately 1 million tons, or 16%, of the world’s uranium reserves. With nuclear energy projected to provide 30% of global electricity by 2050, this positions the Turkic world as a vital player in future energy transitions.
Beyond energy, the Turkic world is becoming a central trade hub, particularly through the development of the “Central Corridor” and China’s involvement. Beijing is utilizing this corridor to “circumvent” the U.S. Containment strategy, offering a trade route with a potential annual volume of $600 billion – the shortest and least expensive link between London and Beijing.
The Zangezur corridor, born from security concerns following a 2020 conflict in the Tovuz region on the Azerbaijani border, is another key route. The Tovuz region is critical as it hosts the BTC, BTE, and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. This corridor provides Türkiye and Central Asia a direct connection, lessening reliance on Iran, Armenia, Georgia, or other third countries.
Strength of Unity
The Turkic world’s collective capacity ranks eighth globally, according to the Composite Index of National Capability (CINC), which assesses population, urban population, steel production, energy consumption, military expenditure, and military personnel. Türkiye, a driving force within the bloc, ranks 17th globally in GDP, 22nd in military spending, and 15th in army size.
The region is central to the geopolitical interplay between Russia, China, and the U.S., with Türkiye’s increasing engagement challenging the policies of these powers. Türkiye is pursuing a strategy of leveraging opportunities and capitalizing on competition between major powers, while the U.S. Engages in C5+1 diplomacy.
The Turkic World Vision 2040, approved at the 8th OTS Summit in 2021, outlines a framework for deeper integration, including initiatives to adopt a common alphabet, unify terminology, coordinate history teaching, and cooperate on defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries comprise the Turkic world?
The Turkic world comprises seven countries: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
What is the Central Corridor?
The Central Corridor is a trade route that the Turkic world finds itself at the heart of as global trade routes are being redrawn. It offers the shortest and least expensive link between London and Beijing.
What is the Zangezur corridor?
The Zangezur corridor is a significant route for the Turkic world that emerged from security considerations following a 2020 conflict. It provides Türkiye and Central Asia a direct connection without reliance on other countries.
As the Turkic world gains prominence, how might its growing influence affect existing geopolitical alliances and trade relationships?
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