Turkey's active neutrality strategy in the black sea region: practices and analysis

Turkey's foreign policy strategies in the Black Sea region are of great importance in international relations due to its geographical location and geopolitical features. Active neutrality is an approach that envisions states contributing to regional stability through diplomacy and peacebuilding while avoiding taking sides in international conflicts. This article aims to analyze Turkey's Black Sea policies through the concept of “active neutrality” and examine the implementation of this strategy and its regional implications. This study examines Turkey's roles in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), the Montreux Straits Convention, and the Russia-Ukraine tensions through case studies. It also discusses elements such as the broader foreign policy context of active neutrality (relations with Iran) and the triggering role of NATO expansion. Consequently, the advantages and limitations of this strategy and Turkey's interactions with regional dynamics (the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict) are evaluated. The findings of the article show that Turkey's active neutrality offers opportunities in terms of security, international prestige, and economic interests, but faces challenges due to the influence of major powers, NATO expansion, and domestic political pressures.