Turkey is trying to avoid openly taking sides in the war of Russia against Ukraine. While condemning the Russian invasion and supplying Bayraktar drones to Ukraine, Turkey did not join the economic sanctions against Russia and in fact may seek to benefit from the Western sanctions against Russia, all while acting as a facilitator of negotiations between the parties. The backdrop of Turkey’s actions is gradually growing Turkish influence in the Caucasus and Central Asia. In this forum, speakers will address how Turkey’s strategy affects the wider region from Eastern Europe to Western China.
Speakers:
Ambassador Matthew Bryza, Board Member, Jamestown Foundation
Suat Kiniklioglu, Former Member of the Turkish Parliament
Svante Cornell, Director, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at the American Foreign Policy Council
Moderator:
Fred Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute at the American Foreign Policy Council
