Foreign policy, regional centrality, and the energy equation

States must pay attention to certain issues and observe specific balances while conducting their foreign policies. Chief among these are state capacity, geographical location, trade relations, and, if applicable, energy dependency. Turkey is a country dependent on foreign sources for its energy supply, and this situation is directly reflected in Turkish foreign policy. Furthermore, high energy imports are the biggest cause of the current account deficit. Russia holds a dominant position in the natural gas Turkey uses. In oil, Iran and Russia are also significant suppliers. Additionally, Turkey's first nuclear facility is being built by the Russians in Mersin Akkuyu. Therefore, Russia has a dominant role in Turkey's energy supply, and this situation inevitably reflects on bilateral relations across a wide spectrum, from Turkey's economy to its foreign policy.

This is because the amount of natural gas imported from Russia is very high. The agreements are binding. It is not possible to activate, substitute, or create alternatives to Russia in the short term. Besides Russia and Iran, Turkey's leading energy suppliers include Iraq and Azerbaijan. This picture is among the most important reasons, alongside others, why Turkey should pursue a region-centered foreign policy on an economic level.

Based on these realities, Turkey needs to improve its relations with regional countries, observe diversity in the number of supplier countries for energy types, activate domestic and renewable energy sources, and take significant steps in energy saving and energy efficiency. In this context, while nuclear energy is an important option, nuclear power plants should be commissioned by considering Turkey's needs and growth rate, in addition to their technology and cost. Otherwise, as in the case of Turkey's first nuclear energy facility in Mersin Akkuyu, dependence on Russia for energy supply will increase further, and this will lead to the consolidation of Russia's influence over Turkey.

Due to the Ukraine-Russia War, Europe, which has largely cut off the natural gas it receives from Russia, has turned to different energy sources and other suppliers. It is imperative that Turkey takes this new situation into account.

Turkey is currently a transit country for energy. It is not an energy hub, an energy base, or an energy distribution center. To become one, it must also have a say in the energy resources that reach different markets through Turkey and are distributed via Turkey.

The use of renewable energy is increasing rapidly in the world. In particular, solar and wind energy are being activated more rapidly. In this process, technology is coming to the fore more. Energy saving and energy efficiency are gaining more importance. Diminishing water resources are being used more efficiently.

Therefore, Turkey should place greater importance on the more efficient use of domestic resources, renewable energy, energy saving, and the fight against loss and theft in energy transmission.