Turkey's Foreign Relations (2020–2026)

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key doctrines, military equipment, diplomatic initiatives, and strategic alliances defining Turkey's foreign policy from 2020 to 2026.

Strategic Autonomy

Turkey's pursuit of an independent foreign policy where Ankara shapes relations based on its own geopolitical, security, and economic interests rather than fully aligning with any single superpower block.

Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland)

A doctrine emphasizing the protection of Turkish maritime interests and rights, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean regarding gas reserves and maritime borders.

S–400

A Russian-made air defense system purchased by Turkey in 2019, which caused a major conflict with the USA and led to Turkey's exclusion from the F–35 fighter jet program.

YPG/SDF

Kurdish armed organizations in Syria that Turkey views as a national security threat linked to the PKK, but which received support from the United States.

TurkStream

A major natural gas pipeline and a key area of energy cooperation conveying Russian gas to Turkey.

Black Sea Grain Initiative

A 2022 agreement mediated by Turkey and the UN that allowed for the partial restart of Ukrainian grain exports to alleviate global food supply issues.

Bayraktar

Turkish-made drones supplied to Ukraine that became symbolic of Ukrainian resistance during the early stages of the Russian invasion.

Earthquake Diplomacy

The temporary easing of tensions and improvement in political atmosphere between Turkey and Greece following Greece's rapid aid after the 2023 Turkish earthquake.

One nation, two states

A phrase characterizing the strategic alliance and close cultural relationship between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Shusha Declaration

A 2021 document that elevated the Turkey-Azerbaijan relationship to a formal strategic alliance covering defense, energy, and trade.

Zangezur Corridor

A proposed transport route intended to create a direct link between Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan, and Turkey.

Montreux Convention

An international agreement that grants Turkey control over the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, regulating the passage of warships.

KAAN

Turkey's national fighter jet program, which saw potential advancement in 2026 through the sale of American-made engines under the Trump administration.

Akkuyu

The site of Turkey's first nuclear power plant, which is being built with Russian participation.