Türkiye-Pakistan Strategic Partnership: Between Geopolitical Convergence and Identity Politics

Historically anchored in Cold War political alignments and religious affinity, Türkiye-Pakistan relations have strengthened in the 21st century through expanding economic cooperation, mutual support in cross-border conflicts and growing security and defence ties. Given the longevity and magnitude of the ties, it can be defined as an enduring strategic partnership. From the perspective of International Relations scholarship, although this relationship is not bound by a formal pact which face periodic political and geopolitical challenges, it exemplifies alliance persistence, sustained by four interrelated factors of geopolitical alignment, geo-economic convergence, geostrategic collaboration and a shared commitment to identity politics. Beyond contributing to the literature on Türkiye-Pakistan relations, this article reinforces the constructivist view on alliance formation and persistence, particularly emphasising the role of shared identity.