Turkish Foreign Policy in and out of Cyprus: Shifting Paradigms and Its Implications for the Cyprus Problem and Beyond

This project aims to analyze Turkey’s foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on its geopolitical strategies, economic interests and regional security concerns. Türkiye, as a littoral state in the Eastern Mediterranean, which has emerged as a critical area of contention due to its vast energy resources, strategic maritime routes and overlapping maritime claims, is a significant actor having varied, complex relations with other neighbouring states as well as global actors engaged in the region. Türkiye’s assertive policies, including its maritime boundary agreements, military presence and energy exploration activities, have sparked tensions in particular with Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, as well as with the European Union. The current crisis in its neighbouring Middle East has brought additional political and security challenges that also encompass Syria and Israel. By examining the Turkish foreign policy in the region through a multidisciplinary approach, combining geopolitical analysis, security, international law and energy politics, the project seeks to uncover the driving forces behind its foreign policy, provide a comprehensive understanding of Türkiye’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean and assess its implications for prospective regional dynamics and international relations.