Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Ambition: Its Foreign Policy and the Dynamics of Collaboration with Russia

Abstract

Türkiye’s quest for nuclear energy has emerged as a strategic power pillar of the country’s energy
security, foreign policy and geopolitical impact. This research aims to delve into Türkiye’s nuclear
journey, particularly focusing on the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project which was launched in
the late 2010s in collaboration with Russia. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkiye
holds a strategic position. It analyzes the challenges that deteriorating NATO-Russia relations can
pose to Turkiye’s nuclear plans and its possible plans to leverage nuclear energy as a diplomatic
tool. It also analyzes Russia’s nuclear export strategy to key G20 countries, including Turkiye, as
part of its broader global energy influence. Furthermore, this research attempts to explore how
Türkiye’s nuclear policy aligns with the SDGs, which aims at economic development without
compromising environmental degradation. Methodologically, the study employs constructivism
theory and qualitative methods, including analysis of diplomatic engagements, policy papers,
energy reports, official government publications, and agreements. The findings reveal that
Türkiye's foreign policy strategy regarding nuclear energy is not only driven by a commitment to
meeting domestic energy needs, but Türkiye’s foreign policy efforts are calibrated to balance
cooperative relations with Russia, while maintaining its accuracy in the nuclear domain. The
results of this study underline that Türkiye’s energy strategy has more to do with the assertion of
its independent identity in a sharply divided Europe than simply achieving energy security in the
context of contemporary international relations in the framework of global energy civilization and
geopolitical complexity.