TURKEY’S SECURITY IN THE PERSIAN GULF REGION

Abstract

This article examines Turkey’s security strategy in the Persian Gulf region, whose relevance stems from the growing geopolitical significance of this subregional space and Ankara’s increasing ambition to establish itself as a key actor in regional security following the Arab Spring of 2011. The study identifies the distinct features of Turkey’s approach, which combines economic pragmatism with instruments of both soft and hard power and reflects Ankara’s adaptation to strategic shifts driven by the declining role of the United States and the rising threats posed by Iran, terrorism, and regional instability. Methodologically, the research is based on systemic and political science approaches and employs qualitative methods, including case studies, content analysis, discourse analysis, as well as comparative and politico-systemic analysis. The findings demonstrate that Turkey perceives the Persian Gulf as an integrated subregional system and develops a corresponding security strategy that often goes beyond bilateral formats, aiming to shape a new security architecture through resource complementarity, enhanced cooperation with GCC states, and the pursuit of strategic autonomy. The study concludes that Turkey’s policy in the Persian Gulf not only strengthens its regional influence but also contributes to the emergence of a more inclusive and multi-layered security system grounded in economic interdependence, diplomatic engagement, and collective responses to destabilizing factors.