TURKISH-RUSSIAN RELATIONS A DECADE LATER: FROM ADVERSITY TO MANAGED COMPETITION

Abstract

The 1990s seemed to promise, at least from the Turkish perspective, the opening of a positive new page in the annals of Turkish-Russian relations. Henceforth, it was hoped, trust and co-operation would drive the relationship. The promise of a democratic and non-imperialistic Russia was the fundamental reason behind the Turkish optimism. A qualitatively new Russia would no longer threaten Turkey's vital interests.