Economy, Trade & Connectivity
Mission
To develop perspectives on sustainable development and cooperation by assessing economic relations through a geopolitical and civilizational lens.
Strategic Rationale
Trade routes, energy corridors, and financial networks form the backbone of the relationship between the Turkic and Islamic worlds and the global system. Addressing these domains together is a strategic necessity.
Economy, Trade & Connectivity
Program Positioning
Understanding power through markets, corridors, and economic interdependence.
This program examines how economic structures, trade flows, and connectivity corridors shape geopolitical influence and strategic autonomy. It places Türkiye within emerging geo‑economic networks linking Africa, the Islamic world, Central Asia, Europe, and Asia, emphasizing connectivity, production capacity, and sustainable economic statecraft.
Core Focus Areas
1. Global Geo‑Economics & Economic Power
Markets as instruments of influence
Scope:
- Geo‑economic competition
- Trade policies and economic leverage
- Sanctions, resilience, and economic security
Key Questions:
- How is economic power translated into political influence?
- What are the limits of sanctions and economic coercion?
- How can states protect economic sovereignty?
Outputs:
- Geo‑economic analyses
- Economic power assessments
- Policy briefs
2. Trade Routes, Corridors & Logistics
Connectivity as strategy
Scope:
- Land, sea, and rail corridors
- Ports, logistics hubs, and chokepoints
- Türkiye as a transit and hub country
Key Questions:
- Why are trade corridors becoming strategic assets?
- How do competing connectivity projects intersect?
- What role does Türkiye play in linking regions?
Outputs:
- Corridor and route analyses
- Logistics and infrastructure reports
- Strategic connectivity assessments
3. Regional & South‑South Economic Integration
Beyond traditional economic centers
Scope:
- Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia
- South‑South trade and cooperation
- Regional economic organizations
Key Questions:
- How is economic gravity shifting toward the Global South?
- What opportunities exist for regional integration?
- How can Türkiye deepen economic ties beyond the West?
Outputs:
- Regional economic outlooks
- Integration and cooperation studies
- Strategic engagement papers
4. Industrial Capacity, Production & Development
From consumption to production power
Scope:
- Manufacturing and industrial policy
- Value chains and supply resilience
- Development models and growth strategies
Key Questions:
- Why does production capacity matter strategically?
- How can states move up global value chains?
- What lessons emerge from Türkiye’s industrial experience?
Outputs:
- Industrial policy analyses
- Production and value chain studies
- Development strategy reports
5. Energy, Resources & Economic Security
Securing the foundations of growth
Scope:
- Energy markets and resource access
- Energy transition and green economy
- Economic risks linked to resource dependency
Key Questions:
- How do energy markets affect economic stability?
- What are the economic implications of energy transition?
- How can Türkiye enhance energy‑based economic security?
Outputs:
- Energy market analyses
- Resource security reports
- Transition‑focused policy papers
6. Finance, Investment & Development Cooperation
Capital flows and strategic partnerships
Scope:
- Foreign direct investment
- Development finance and aid
- Public‑private partnerships
Key Questions:
- How do capital flows shape strategic relations?
- What role does development cooperation play in influence?
- How can Türkiye position itself as an investment partner?
Outputs:
- Investment climate analyses
- Development finance studies
- Strategic cooperation briefs
Program Intersections
This program intersects with:
- Power, Geopolitics & Civilizational Order — geo‑economic strategy
- Security & Defense — economic resilience and security
- Strategic Regions & Civilizational Basins — spatial economic dynamics
Strategic Note
The Economy, Trade & Connectivity program reveals how economic flows, infrastructure, and production capacity increasingly define power in the 21st century. It positions Türkiye as a connective economic actor capable of linking regions, markets, and development pathways.