Mission

To analyze global power transformations and the reshaping of the international order through the position of the Turkic and Islamic worlds within these processes.

Strategic Rationale

The global system cannot be understood solely through Western actors. The rise of middle powers and the growing visibility of the Islamic world necessitate a renewed debate on global order. Türkiye is a key actor in this transformation.

Power, Geopolitics & Civilizational Order

Program Positioning

Interpreting global power through geopolitics, civilizations, and strategic autonomy.

This program examines how global power is produced, distributed, and contested beyond traditional blocs and alliances. It places Türkiye, the Turkic world, and the Islamic geography within the broader transformation of the international system, focusing on civilizational agency, middle power strategies, and strategic autonomy.

Core Focus Areas

1. Global Power Shifts & Systemic Transformation

From unipolarity to contested multipolarity

Scope:

  • Transformation of the international system
  • Decline of unipolar dominance
  • Emerging centers of power

Key Questions:

  • How is the global order structurally changing?
  • What replaces Western-centric governance models?
  • Which actors are shaping the next systemic equilibrium?

Outputs:

  • Systemic analyses
  • Global order assessments
  • Strategic outlook reports

2. Middle Powers & Strategic Autonomy

Agency beyond great power rivalry

Scope:

  • Middle power strategies
  • Strategic autonomy doctrines
  • Türkiye as a case study

Key Questions:

  • How do middle powers expand room for maneuver?
  • What defines successful strategic autonomy?
  • How can Türkiye balance alliances and independence?

Outputs:

  • Comparative middle power studies
  • Strategic autonomy frameworks
  • Policy briefs

3. Civilizational Actors in World Politics

Beyond states: civilizations as strategic agents

Scope:

  • Civilizational identities in international relations
  • The Islamic world as a systemic actor
  • Norms, values, and power projection

Key Questions:

  • Can civilizations act as coherent strategic actors?
  • How does the Islamic world interact with global norms?
  • What role does Türkiye play in civilizational mediation?

Outputs:

  • Conceptual analyses
  • Civilization-based policy papers
  • Normative power assessments

4. Energy, Resources & Geopolitical Competition

Power flows through energy and resources

Scope:

  • Energy geopolitics
  • Critical resources and supply security
  • Energy transitions and strategic competition

Key Questions:

  • How do energy routes shape geopolitical influence?
  • What are the strategic implications of energy transition?
  • How can Türkiye leverage its transit and hub position?

Outputs:

  • Energy geopolitics reports
  • Resource security analyses
  • Strategic energy briefs

5. Maritime, Land & Trade Route Geopolitics

Controlling flows, shaping power

Scope:

  • Sea lanes and chokepoints
  • Land corridors and logistics routes
  • Trade security and maritime law

Key Questions:

  • Why are trade routes becoming geopolitical battlegrounds?
  • How do maritime and land corridors intersect?
  • What role does Türkiye play in global connectivity?

Outputs:

  • Route and corridor analyses
  • Maritime geopolitics reports
  • Strategic connectivity assessments

6. Diplomacy, Dialogue & Strategic Mediation

Managing competition without escalation

Scope:

  • Diplomatic instruments
  • Mediation and facilitation roles
  • Crisis diplomacy

Key Questions:

  • How can diplomacy mitigate great power rivalry?
  • What makes Türkiye an effective mediator?
  • How can dialogue mechanisms prevent systemic conflict?

Outputs:

  • Mediation case studies
  • Diplomatic strategy papers
  • Conflict management briefs

Program Intersections

This program intersects with:

  • Strategic Regions & Civilizational Basins — spatial and regional grounding
  • Security & Defense — hard power and deterrence
  • Economy, Trade & Connectivity — geo-economic competition

Strategic Note

The Power, Geopolitics & Civilizational Order program functions as Turk Alliance’s conceptual and analytical backbone. It provides the intellectual framework for understanding how power operates across regions, civilizations, and systems—placing Türkiye at the center of emerging global debates.