BILATERAL LABOUR MIGRATION BETWEEN UZBEKISTAN AND JAPAN: POLICY FRAMEWORK, PROSPECTS, AND OBSTACLES

Аннотация

This article analyzes the modern foreign policy concept of the Republic of Turkey. It highlights Turkey’s geopolitical perspectives, particularly its multi-vector strategy, soft power approach, geo-economic interests, and international mediation activities. The paper also examines tools of cultural and educational diplomacy implemented through organizations such as TIKA, the Diyanet, the Yunus Emre Institute, and the Maarif Foundation. Additionally, attention is given to Turkey's relations with NATO and the West, as well as its cooperation with Eastern countries. Based onthe analysis, the article presents Turkey’s independent foreign policy aimed at regional leadership. The study may be useful for researchers interested in an in-depth understanding ofTurkish foreign policy. Keywords: Turkish foreign policy, multi-vector strategy, soft power, geopolitics, TIKA, Yunus Emre Institute, Maarif Foundation, Diyanet, regional leadership, international mediation, Turkic world, economicdiplomacy, cultural diplomacy, balanced policy, modern strategies. Introduction: In the last decade, Turkey’s foreign policy has undergone significant changes. These shifts are primarily related to the increased activism in foreign policy during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s tenure, the adoption of new approaches aimed at enhancing Turkey’s influence on regional and global scales, as well as historical, cultural, and economic factors. Due to its geographical location, Turkey serves as a geostrategic bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, which grants it a crucial geopolitical position. This article examines Turkey's modern geopolitical perspectives, their foundations, implemented foreign policy strategies, regional and global activities, as well as thestrengths and challenges ofthis policy. Methods:The articleuses event analysis and historical methods. Results: Historical Legacy and Neo-Ottoman Tendencies. The legacy of the Ottoman Empire, which once spanned three continents, plays a key role in shaping modern Turkish foreign policy. Current strategies reflect a revival of this heritage, especially through the “Neo-Ottomanism” concept aimed at strengthening ties with Muslim and Turkic nations. While Turkey initially focused on integration with the West — including aspirations for NATO and EU membership — it has since adopted a multi-directional approach (Altunışık, 2021). This new orientation is grounded in reinvigorated historical and cultural connections. In terms of Multi-vectorism, it is now a cornerstone of Turkish diplomacy. This approach maintains traditional alliances with the West while expanding relations with Eastern countries, the Muslim world, and Turkic states. At its core are balanced diplomacy, regional leadership, and an independent position in the global https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue4,2025 287 system (Republic ofTurkey MinistryofForeign Affairs, 2023). Soft Power Instruments. Turkey is successfully leveraging its cultural and historical assets as foreign policy tools through various institutions:  TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency): Active in over 100 countries, implementing development and humanitarian projects, particularly in infrastructure, health, education, and social sectors (TIKA, 2023).  Diyanet Foundation: Promotes Islamic values and religious education, building mosques andschools in multiplecountries (Diyanet Foundation, 2023).  Yunus EmreInstitute:Promotes theTurkish language, literature, and cultureworldwide.  Maarif Foundation: Enhances Turkish educational diplomacy through the establishment ofschools abroad. These institutions have expanded Turkey’s soft power influence across the Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Geoeconomic Interests. Economic diplomacy is a key priority. Turkey seeks to expand its economic footprint globally via goods, investments, construction firms, and transport-energy corridors. Forexample:  Turkey cooperates with the UN, African Union, and other international bodies to access African markets.  Through logistics initiatives such as the "Zangezur Corridor" and "Trans-Caspian Route," Turkey aims to control strategic Eurasian transit paths.  Synergy between TIKA and the private sector enhances Turkey’s image as a global supplierand infrastructure developer. Mediationin InternationalCrises.Turkey plays aprominent mediatingrole inglobal conflicts:  It has been an active mediator in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, notably proposing the “grain deal.”  Turkey intervened in the Syrian crisis by establishing border security zones to both protect national interests and address humanitarian concerns (UNHCR, 2023).  Turkish diplomacy has expanded in Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, and other crisis regions. “Balanced Equidistance” Diplomacy. Turkey follows a policy of "turning away from no one, butleaning onnooneentirely." This approach allows itto:  Maintain military-strategicties with NATOand theU.S.;  Cooperate e