Soft Power Diplomacy of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA)
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Introduction 3
Main Part 11
1.History and formation of TURKPA, its International status and overview of Member States 11
2. TURKPA’s Activities and Cooperation 16
3. Soft Power Diplomacy of TURKPA 27
3.1. Main soft-power tools: culture, language, education, music 27
3.2 Economic Soft Power and Regional Integration 39
3.3 Observer Status of TURKPA in International Organizations and its International Cooperation from the Perspective of Soft Power 46
3.4. The Strategic Use of Soft Power in the Context of the TURKPA Plenary Sessions and the Turkic Council 47
3.5. TURKPA’s influence on Regional Peace and Mediation 47
Conclusion 47
SWOT Analysis for TURKPA’s Soft Power initiatives 47
Sources and Literature 47
Main Part 11
1.History and formation of TURKPA, its International status and overview of Member States 11
2. TURKPA’s Activities and Cooperation 16
3. Soft Power Diplomacy of TURKPA 27
3.1. Main soft-power tools: culture, language, education, music 27
3.2 Economic Soft Power and Regional Integration 39
3.3 Observer Status of TURKPA in International Organizations and its International Cooperation from the Perspective of Soft Power 46
3.4. The Strategic Use of Soft Power in the Context of the TURKPA Plenary Sessions and the Turkic Council 47
3.5. TURKPA’s influence on Regional Peace and Mediation 47
Conclusion 47
SWOT Analysis for TURKPA’s Soft Power initiatives 47
Sources and Literature 47
In the contemporary mosaic of global diplomacy, the concept of soft power has never been more pertinent.The relevance of this topic is underscored by the strategic geographical and cultural positioning of the Turkic states, which vast from Europe to Asia. Their unique position facilitates not only economic but also cultural and political interactions on the Eurasian region. In exploring TURKPA's soft power initiatives, this study taps into the broader discourse on regional cooperation mechanisms and their roles in global diplomacy. It investigates how cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and legislative collaborations under the organization of TURKPA enhance mutual understanding and foster partnerships among member states and beyond.
Moreover, as the world faces with complex challenges that transcend national borders – from climate change to global pandemics – the importance of collaborative soft power approaches in fostering international cooperation becomes increasingly apparent. Thus, this paper does not merely examine a regional entity's initiatives in diplomacy but also contributes to the essential understanding of how soft power shapes international alliances and policies in the 21st century.
In essence, the soft power diplomacy of TURKPA offers a unique lens through which to view the evolution of international relations in a multipolar world. This exploration is to perceive theaspects of diplomacyin the modern era, where influence is appeared not just through might and economic leverage but through culture, ideals, and legislative diplomacy.
While the influence of major global powers has been thoroughly explored, the role of regional organizations like TURKPA in exercising soft power is less documented. This study is pioneering in its analysis of how TURKPA employs cultural diplomacy, educational initiatives, and collaborative legislative efforts to exert its influence.By focusing on TURKPA, this research addresses a gap in existing literature, revealing new insights into how a regional entity leverages soft power within its unique geopolitical context. The findings enhance our understanding of the strategic application of soft power by regional assemblies, thereby reshaping the discourse on both global and regional diplomatic interactions.
The object of this paper is the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States. The subject of this paper is TURKPA's soft power diplomacy from the perspective of its initiatives and influence on international relations in Eurasia.
Information provided before determines the goal of this paper to reveal the state of soft power diplomacy of TURKPA. Goal requires the following tasks to be completed in order to be reached:
1. To investigate the history of TURKPA formation and current state;
1.1 To examine the international status of TURKPA;
1.2 To make an overview of member states;
1.3 To study TURKPA's activities;
1.4 To Assess the role in the Asian region and global political arena;
2. Explore TURKPA's soft power tools and implementation;
2.2 To examine current soft power tools;
2.3 To explore potential future tools;
2.4 To assess the strategic use of soft power in the context of the TURKPA plenary sessions and the turkic council
2.5 To review how turkpa implements soft power in diplomacy;
3.To explore TURKPA’s initiatives and their influence on international relations
3.1 To explore Observer Status of TURKPA in International Organizations and its International Cooperation from the Perspective of Soft Power
4. Concluding with SWOT analysis
5. To summarize the key findings and conclusions of current state of soft power diplomacy of TURKPA.
A wide range of available sources and literature on the subject of TURKPA allows for the fulfilment of the set tasks.For the preparation of this paper, sources and literature written by the authors of the study region, i.e. TURKPA member countries, were mainly used. Among them are:
1) Reports of meetings of officials: meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade of the OTS and “Turkic World Business Forum”, meeting on Equivalence Processes In Higher Education In Turkpa Member Countries, Turkic States Organization agenda, Fifth Counter-Terrorism Coordination Meeting of Parliamentary Assemblies and Third Policy Dialogue,
2) Scientifical events: conference on “Study and Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World from the Perspective of UNESCO”, Online Seminar among Representatives of TURKPA Member Countries, Recommendatıon On Basıc Aspects And Prospects Of TURKPA’s Internatıonal Cooperatıon, International Symposium On Turkic Cooperation And Silk Road, UNRCCA Seminar
3) Official documents: Declaration of Parliamentary Assembly Of Turkic States, official statutes of the standing commissions of the turkpa (Commission on Economic Cooperation, Commission on Education, Culture, Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Commission on Environment, Natural Resources and Health Protection, Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations), Turkic World Vision 2040
4) News about initiatives: Turkic Investment Fund, Turkic Trading House, Combatting Cyber Crime, the Development of the Legal Framework and Cooperation Among Member Countries, FEZ "TURANSEZ", International scholarship “Bolashak”, meeting on “Digital Silk Way”,
5) Web-pages with cultural items description: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi on unesco web-page, Exhibition of artists of TURKSOY member countries, Exhibition of the Turkic World, ICTMD Study Group on Music and Dance in the Turkic World, Turkic World Film Festival, Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, Presentation of the Culinary Culture of the Turkic World at the outskirts of Tian Shen Mountains, Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, Traditional Activities.
...
Moreover, as the world faces with complex challenges that transcend national borders – from climate change to global pandemics – the importance of collaborative soft power approaches in fostering international cooperation becomes increasingly apparent. Thus, this paper does not merely examine a regional entity's initiatives in diplomacy but also contributes to the essential understanding of how soft power shapes international alliances and policies in the 21st century.
In essence, the soft power diplomacy of TURKPA offers a unique lens through which to view the evolution of international relations in a multipolar world. This exploration is to perceive theaspects of diplomacyin the modern era, where influence is appeared not just through might and economic leverage but through culture, ideals, and legislative diplomacy.
While the influence of major global powers has been thoroughly explored, the role of regional organizations like TURKPA in exercising soft power is less documented. This study is pioneering in its analysis of how TURKPA employs cultural diplomacy, educational initiatives, and collaborative legislative efforts to exert its influence.By focusing on TURKPA, this research addresses a gap in existing literature, revealing new insights into how a regional entity leverages soft power within its unique geopolitical context. The findings enhance our understanding of the strategic application of soft power by regional assemblies, thereby reshaping the discourse on both global and regional diplomatic interactions.
The object of this paper is the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States. The subject of this paper is TURKPA's soft power diplomacy from the perspective of its initiatives and influence on international relations in Eurasia.
Information provided before determines the goal of this paper to reveal the state of soft power diplomacy of TURKPA. Goal requires the following tasks to be completed in order to be reached:
1. To investigate the history of TURKPA formation and current state;
1.1 To examine the international status of TURKPA;
1.2 To make an overview of member states;
1.3 To study TURKPA's activities;
1.4 To Assess the role in the Asian region and global political arena;
2. Explore TURKPA's soft power tools and implementation;
2.2 To examine current soft power tools;
2.3 To explore potential future tools;
2.4 To assess the strategic use of soft power in the context of the TURKPA plenary sessions and the turkic council
2.5 To review how turkpa implements soft power in diplomacy;
3.To explore TURKPA’s initiatives and their influence on international relations
3.1 To explore Observer Status of TURKPA in International Organizations and its International Cooperation from the Perspective of Soft Power
4. Concluding with SWOT analysis
5. To summarize the key findings and conclusions of current state of soft power diplomacy of TURKPA.
A wide range of available sources and literature on the subject of TURKPA allows for the fulfilment of the set tasks.For the preparation of this paper, sources and literature written by the authors of the study region, i.e. TURKPA member countries, were mainly used. Among them are:
1) Reports of meetings of officials: meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade of the OTS and “Turkic World Business Forum”, meeting on Equivalence Processes In Higher Education In Turkpa Member Countries, Turkic States Organization agenda, Fifth Counter-Terrorism Coordination Meeting of Parliamentary Assemblies and Third Policy Dialogue,
2) Scientifical events: conference on “Study and Preservation of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World from the Perspective of UNESCO”, Online Seminar among Representatives of TURKPA Member Countries, Recommendatıon On Basıc Aspects And Prospects Of TURKPA’s Internatıonal Cooperatıon, International Symposium On Turkic Cooperation And Silk Road, UNRCCA Seminar
3) Official documents: Declaration of Parliamentary Assembly Of Turkic States, official statutes of the standing commissions of the turkpa (Commission on Economic Cooperation, Commission on Education, Culture, Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Commission on Environment, Natural Resources and Health Protection, Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations), Turkic World Vision 2040
4) News about initiatives: Turkic Investment Fund, Turkic Trading House, Combatting Cyber Crime, the Development of the Legal Framework and Cooperation Among Member Countries, FEZ "TURANSEZ", International scholarship “Bolashak”, meeting on “Digital Silk Way”,
5) Web-pages with cultural items description: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi on unesco web-page, Exhibition of artists of TURKSOY member countries, Exhibition of the Turkic World, ICTMD Study Group on Music and Dance in the Turkic World, Turkic World Film Festival, Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, Presentation of the Culinary Culture of the Turkic World at the outskirts of Tian Shen Mountains, Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, Traditional Activities.
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In our research, we decided to use a SWOT analysis. This is a strategic planning tool used to identify and assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with a project, organization, or initiative. In our case, it is crucial for evaluating TURKPA's soft power initiatives as it provides a comprehensive structure for understanding and improving its strategic positioning.
Strengths:
The effectiveness of the Turkic Council (TURKPA) is rooted in the strong cultural and historical ties that bind its member states and foster a sense of unity and shared identity. This shared cultural heritage is exemplified by the celebration of Nevruz, the Persian New Year, which is observed by several member states, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties among them. In addition, TURKPA effectively uses cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power to increase its influence and foster good relations among member states and with the international community. For example, the World Nomad Games, which celebrate traditional sports and culture, attract international participants and media attention, thereby enhancing the soft power of TURKPA member states.
In addition to its cultural diplomacy efforts, TURKPA promotes cooperation in education and heritage preservation, strengthening academic and cultural ties among its member states. Initiatives such as the Orkhon Exchange Program facilitate student and academic exchanges, promoting educational cooperation among member states. Significant economic cooperation and infrastructure development projects are also underway, promoting regional integration. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, for example, improves connectivity between member states and facilitates smoother trade routes.
TURKPA's observer status in various international organizations, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), enables it to influence global discussions and policies. In addition, TURKPA members actively participate in global forums and conferences, thereby increasing their international visibility and influence. In particular, TURKPA's participation in UNESCO and United Nations General Assembly events promotes Turkish culture and diplomacy on the world stage.
Ultimately, TURKPA's commitment to democratic principles and good governance helps build credibility and trust both within and outside the region. Election observation missions conducted by TURKPA in member states ensure fair and transparent electoral processes, reinforcing democratic governance. By promoting democratic values and good governance, TURKPA reinforces its legitimacy and effectiveness as a regional organization.
Weaknesses:
The Turkic Council (TURKPA) faces a variety of challenges that hinder its effectiveness in promoting regional cooperation and cultural exchange among its member states. One of the main challenges is its struggle to engage younger demographics that are more influenced by global rather than regional cultures. Cultural initiatives may not appeal to youth, who are more attracted to contemporary global cultural trends than to traditional Turkish heritage. This disconnect between TURKPA's cultural initiatives and the interests of younger generations is a significant obstacle to promoting regional identity and cooperation.
Another challenge facing TURKPA is the economic disparities among its member states. The different economic conditions and external pressures faced by member states can hinder cohesive economic cooperation. Economic disparities between wealthier countries, such as Kazakhstan, and less affluent countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, can lead to uneven development and cooperation challenges. These economic disparities can create tensions and undermine efforts at regional integration.
In addition, TURKPA's initiatives are often hampered by limited funding and resources for research and cultural projects. Financial constraints limit the scope and impact of TURKPA's initiatives, and projects such as the restoration of cultural sites can be delayed or scaled back due to insufficient funding. This lack of resources may hamper TURKPA's ability to promote cultural exchange and cooperation among its member states.
Geopolitical challenges and regional conflicts also pose a significant obstacle to TURKPA's efforts. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts within or around member states can disrupt cooperation and progress. Conflicts, such as the Karabağ dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, can strain regional unity and cooperation efforts that made for Zengezur corridor highlighting the need for TURKPA to address these challenges and promote regional stability.
Lastly, the slow adoption of standardized linguistic and cultural practices across member states hinders seamless communication and cultural exchange. The initiative for a common Turkic alphabet, for example, faces resistance and slow implementation, affecting linguistic cohesion. This lack of standardization can create barriers to cultural exchange and cooperation among TURKPA's member states.
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Strengths:
The effectiveness of the Turkic Council (TURKPA) is rooted in the strong cultural and historical ties that bind its member states and foster a sense of unity and shared identity. This shared cultural heritage is exemplified by the celebration of Nevruz, the Persian New Year, which is observed by several member states, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties among them. In addition, TURKPA effectively uses cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power to increase its influence and foster good relations among member states and with the international community. For example, the World Nomad Games, which celebrate traditional sports and culture, attract international participants and media attention, thereby enhancing the soft power of TURKPA member states.
In addition to its cultural diplomacy efforts, TURKPA promotes cooperation in education and heritage preservation, strengthening academic and cultural ties among its member states. Initiatives such as the Orkhon Exchange Program facilitate student and academic exchanges, promoting educational cooperation among member states. Significant economic cooperation and infrastructure development projects are also underway, promoting regional integration. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, for example, improves connectivity between member states and facilitates smoother trade routes.
TURKPA's observer status in various international organizations, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), enables it to influence global discussions and policies. In addition, TURKPA members actively participate in global forums and conferences, thereby increasing their international visibility and influence. In particular, TURKPA's participation in UNESCO and United Nations General Assembly events promotes Turkish culture and diplomacy on the world stage.
Ultimately, TURKPA's commitment to democratic principles and good governance helps build credibility and trust both within and outside the region. Election observation missions conducted by TURKPA in member states ensure fair and transparent electoral processes, reinforcing democratic governance. By promoting democratic values and good governance, TURKPA reinforces its legitimacy and effectiveness as a regional organization.
Weaknesses:
The Turkic Council (TURKPA) faces a variety of challenges that hinder its effectiveness in promoting regional cooperation and cultural exchange among its member states. One of the main challenges is its struggle to engage younger demographics that are more influenced by global rather than regional cultures. Cultural initiatives may not appeal to youth, who are more attracted to contemporary global cultural trends than to traditional Turkish heritage. This disconnect between TURKPA's cultural initiatives and the interests of younger generations is a significant obstacle to promoting regional identity and cooperation.
Another challenge facing TURKPA is the economic disparities among its member states. The different economic conditions and external pressures faced by member states can hinder cohesive economic cooperation. Economic disparities between wealthier countries, such as Kazakhstan, and less affluent countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, can lead to uneven development and cooperation challenges. These economic disparities can create tensions and undermine efforts at regional integration.
In addition, TURKPA's initiatives are often hampered by limited funding and resources for research and cultural projects. Financial constraints limit the scope and impact of TURKPA's initiatives, and projects such as the restoration of cultural sites can be delayed or scaled back due to insufficient funding. This lack of resources may hamper TURKPA's ability to promote cultural exchange and cooperation among its member states.
Geopolitical challenges and regional conflicts also pose a significant obstacle to TURKPA's efforts. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts within or around member states can disrupt cooperation and progress. Conflicts, such as the Karabağ dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, can strain regional unity and cooperation efforts that made for Zengezur corridor highlighting the need for TURKPA to address these challenges and promote regional stability.
Lastly, the slow adoption of standardized linguistic and cultural practices across member states hinders seamless communication and cultural exchange. The initiative for a common Turkic alphabet, for example, faces resistance and slow implementation, affecting linguistic cohesion. This lack of standardization can create barriers to cultural exchange and cooperation among TURKPA's member states.
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