AVİM 2024 YILLIK RAPOR | ANNUAL REPORT

Author :
Date : 2025
Language : Turkish & English

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It is a pleasure to present our Annual Report that provides a brief overview of the works and activities of the Center for Eurasian Studies (AVİM) during the year 2024.

The year 2024 has been a timeframe when democracy, human rights, rule of law, and respect for international law has witnessed attacks from many sides. As a result, the established political, economic and judicial order has come under scrutiny and sometimes disregard as wars and atrocities amounting to genocide could not be prevented. Although this bleak picture precludes hope or optimism for the future, Türkiye nevertheless has reasons to be confident.

Türkiye is a Balkan country and as such an inseparable part of Europe, but it also extends to Asia through the South Caucuses at the easternmost of Europe and westernmost of Asia, straddling both continents. It is on its way to becoming the hub for the connectivity and conduit of Eurasia in line with its historical, traditional geographic, and geopolitical position. Revival of the historical Silk Road with the “Middle Corridor”, complementing it also with the “Development Road” that would enable the sea connection to constitute the befitting infrastructure. This hub including roads, railroads, sea routes, and energy lines is a testament to the historical and traditional function of the Anatolian geography, reflected by the double headed eagle, one looking to the East, the other to the West, state symbols of the Byzantine Empire as well as the Selchuk Empire.

The year 2024 has not been an easy one. Türkiye has felt the globally disrupting developments near at home, virtually encircled by a ring of fire. To its north, the country is confronted with the Russian-Ukrainian war and security issues in the Black Sea. To its south, there are the conflicts between Israel-Palestine and Israel-Hezbollah in Lebanon, the regime change in Syria and the uncertainties it portends, and a hotbed of terrorism along its southern border. At its east, the cease-fire agreement between Azerbaijan-Armenia has not been finalized through the conclusion of a peace agreement, and there are developments of concern regarding Georgia and Iran. Finally, at its west, militarization by the USA of the de facto designed eastern boundaries of the European Union with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, raising also an Eastern Mediterranean problem, completes the circle.

Türkiye’s relations with the European Union, although officially a negotiating candidate, has become distant and on a transactional basis since the acceptance of the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus as a full-fledged member representing the whole of the island in 2004, in violation of international agreements and Union’s own principles. Hence, Türkiye needs to be strong to be able to balance its relations with the EU, which relates to the degree it can solidify its ties in Eurasia and develop its solidarity with the Global South. Deepening relations within the Organization of Turkic States, contacts with the BRICS, ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the unfolding and enlargement of the D-8 Group have signaled developments to this end.

The Center for Eurasian Studies (AVİM), an independent and non-profit think-tank has been carrying this voluminous work with the meticulous and often self-sacrificing work of a limited number of staff. AVİM staff deserves sincere thanks and warm congratulations for their unrelenting efforts, conscientious, creative, and fruitful work. On behalf of AVİM, I would also like to express thanks and gratitude to all who have shown interest in and given support to our work and activities.