THE LIMITS OF ZERO PROBLEM POLICY IN THE CAUCASUS: THE IMPASSE IN TURKISH - ARMENIAN RELATIONS
THE LIMITS OF ZERO PROBLEM POLICY IN THE CAUCASUS: THE IMPASSE IN TURKISH - ARMENIAN RELATIONS

Summary/Abstract: Turkish foreign policy has been in a transformation process since the end of the Cold War. However, each transformation period comes with new crisis and advantages that should be assessed carefully. Turkey has been trying tackle with these newly emerged challenges by pursuing a proactive foreign policy since the end of 1990s. In this framework, zero problem policy, which was introduced by Ahmet Davutoglu, has been effective to overcome certain problems with its neighbours and create a better environment to stimulate partnership in the Eurasian region. Yet, this policy seems to be not functioning properly in Turco-Armenian relations due to its complex characteristics that is directly related both with internal and external policies of these countries. In this paper, the relations, which have entered into a new phase with football diplomacy, will be examined in a critical manner to understand the current impasse in the relations between Turkey and Armenia. It is argued that the relations are in impasse due to domestic and international dynamics that affect the politics in Armenia and Turkey and there is a need for paradigm shift for a new phase to begin.

• Details
• Contents