Energy resources have become fundamental determinants that control the course of relations between global powers, and this is evident in the case of Russian-Turkish relations, as Turkey is the main route for Russia's exports of hydrocarbons to Europe, especially after operating the Turkstream pipeline early this year 2020. On the other hand, Turkey relies mainly on Russia for its energy needs.
This consolidated energy ties and mutual interdependence between Russia and Turkey contribute to formulating flexible Russian foreign policy towards Turkey, despite Turkish unacceptable external behaviors such as the Assassination of the Russian ambassador in Ankara, downing the Turkish warplane near the Turkish-Syrian border, as well as the evident divergences in attitudes and views between the two parties towards the Syrian crisis.
The research paper uses theory of complex interdependence that was presented by neoliberal scholars particularly Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye as a tool to identify the impact of the energy interdependence on the Russian foreign policy toward Turkey.
The value of this research roots from the point that it incorporates the theoretical dimensions by casting light on the various perspectives of major international relations theoretical paradigms about the centrality of energy determinant in international politics. In addition to the empirical side by examining the impact of energy ties on Russian foreign policy toward Turkey.