Turan Research Center

Ironically, Ukraine’s tragedy had unintended benefits for the new members of the OTS. With the European Union (EU) imposing sanctions on goods transiting Russian territory, the route between Asia and Europe that passed through Central Asia and the South Caucasus emerged as an alternative, and in the four years since, this corridor has seen a rapid expansion of infrastructure. The route coincidentally also runs through the territories of the OTS members, which has given the Turkic states a new basis for cooperation along with the possibility of greatly enriching themselves as they reclaim their place as a premier global trade route.

How far these Turkic states can cooperate remains to be seen and there are countries who have reasons to obstruct this group from becoming a formidable bloc in the center of the Eurasian continent. This article outlines the emergence of the OTS, its prospects for facilitating real cooperation among its members, and the challenges it will face in doing so.

Read the full aritcle on Delphi Global Research Center.

Bruce Pannier is a Senior Fellow at the Turan Research Center.