U.S. SOUTH CAUCASUS POLICY AND THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE

Abstract

The article examines the relations of the U.S. with the countries of the South Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia) from 2009 to 2020 and the place and role of Türkiye in the South Caucasus policy of the United States. Simultaneously,
based on existing official documents, scientific literature, and statistical materials, U.S.-Türkiye cooperation in the context of the South Caucasus policy, and differences of opinion between the two states that arose in some periods were noted in chronological order. It should be pointed out that, various meetings were held between the U.S. and Türkiye about peace, stability, security, etc. in the South Caucasus during the administrations of Barack Hussein Obama (2009-2017) and Donald John Trump (2017-2021). One of such significant meetings held by the U.S. and Türkiye on ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus was held in September 2009. As a result of this meeting, U.S. Secretary of State H.Clinton and Turkish Foreign Minister A.Babacan adopted a joint statement.It should be noted that the South Caucasus is one of the main and at the same time the most complex regions of the world due to its geopolitical and strategic importance and rich energy resources. The fact that the South Caucasus region has a necessary strategic geographical position has turned it into a North-South and East-West corridor. In addition, the South Caucasus region has always been the focus of great powers.
The research on this topic was conducted by analyzing events and facts comparatively, applying scientific objectivity, and following a comprehensive approach to studying data, moreover, the article discusses the role of both the U.S. and Türkiye
during the Second Karabakh War.