An Example of Turkey's Multilateral Initiatives in Eurasia: The Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

Abstract

This study aims at evaluating the dynamics that paved the way for the inception of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) initiative, which was launched by Turkey taking advantage of the impact of the changes in the international system generated by the ending of the Cold War period. For the evaluation of the success and perenniality of the BSEC initiative, organizational structure and perceptions of member countries are also studied. In addition to important economic cooperation, initiatives aimed at security cooperation in the Black Sea, are also analysed by taking into account their impact upon the regional and international arena. Finally, the achievements of BSEC since its inception in 1992 are evaluated and some suggestions are provided.

Keywords

Black Sea, Economic Cooperation, Regional Integration, Blackseafor, Blacksea Harmony

Citation

Oktay, Emel G., "An Example of Turkey's Multilateral Initiatives in Eurasia: The Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation", International Relations, Volume 3, Issue 10 (Summer 2006), pp. 149-179.

Affiliations

• Emel G. Oktay, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Hacettepe University, Department of International Relations