Turkey's Relations with the Soviet Union: Cooperation and Crises (1921-1945)

One of the main principles of Turkish foreign policy – the balance policy – developed alongside changes in the international system, forming the basis of the Turkish foreign policy concept. Turkish-Soviet relations evolved in light of this policy, accompanied by partnerships and crises. Turkey's external relations were shaped by periodic changes in world politics. One of the main reasons for the effectiveness of the balance policy in relations with the USSR is the strategy of creating a balance between the USA and the USSR – a consequence of the bipolar system. Considering its geopolitical position, Turkey, aspiring to enter the "Western club," has always placed great importance on its relations with Russia. The aim of this work is to examine Turkish-Soviet relations from the perspective of the balance policy in Turkey's foreign policy concept through partnerships and crises. A qualitative research method was applied in this work, and document analysis was used as a data collection tool. Primary sources include official treaties, diplomatic correspondence, and newspaper archives, while secondary sources consist of books, articles, and dissertations. The data were analyzed using chronological and thematic analysis. Among the conclusions of the study are the positive impact of Turkey's balance policy on Turkish-Soviet relations, as well as the finding that external interference in Turkey's foreign policy directly threatens bilateral relations and the country's security. The balance policy defined Turkey's external connections and shaped the course of its relations with the USSR under the bipolar system. Turkish-Soviet relations began with a partnership that allowed friendly ties to be maintained for many years. However, the prioritization of the principle of Westernism and the bipolar system led to a transition from partnership to crisis. Crises were caused by the westernization of Turkey's foreign policy and a perceived threat from the USSR. Turkey's geopolitical position requires a foreign policy based on good neighborliness and the prevention of foreign interference.