Constructing Turkic Identity in the International Relations of the Turkic States

This article examines the construction and utilization of Turkic identity in the international relations of the Turkic states in the post-Soviet era. Building on the insights of constructivist International Relations (IR) theory, it argues that identity, far from being an abstract cultural legacy, has become a practical tool for diplomacy, regional cooperation, and geopolitical positioning. The study focuses on the activities of key institutions, including the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), TÜRKSOY, and educational initiatives such as the Orhun Exchange Program, which collectively serve to institutionalize cultural affinity and transform it into social capital. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative discourse analysis, examining summit declarations, treaties, and policy documents, supplemented by secondary scholarship, in order to trace how identity narratives are articulated and operationalized. The findings reveal that Turkic identity plays three interrelated roles: it fosters cultural solidarity across diverse national contexts, operates as a form of soft power in diplomacy, and provides a strategic framework for balancing external pressures from great powers such as Russia and China. Yet, significant variation exists among member states. Türkiye emphasizes leadership by invoking historical continuity and cultural centrality, while Central Asian republics adopt a more pragmatic stance, engaging in Turkic identity projects selectively to safeguard sovereignty and pursue multi-vectoral foreign policies. By situating Turkic identity within broader debates on constructivism, soft power, and regionalism, the article contributes to IR scholarship and highlights the implications of identity-based diplomacy for the evolving geopolitics of Eurasia.