New Power Balance: Will Turkey 'Play a Key Role' in Change of World Order?

© REUTERS / Murad SezerA European Union (L) and Turkish flag fly outside a hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, May 4, 2016.
A European Union (L) and Turkish flag fly outside a hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, May 4, 2016. - Sputnik International
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Turkish MP Metin Kulunk commented on a recent statement by the Turkish minister of economy, Nihat Zeybekci, about the country's intention to start negotiations on joining the Eurasian Customs Union.

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According to Kulunk, this will be a starting point for Turkey's accession to membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

"Turkey will play an active role in shifting the center of power from Europe — which shows clear signs of disintegration — to Eurasia," the expert said.
The analyst noted that Europe might soon "break into parts," with the process of disintegration negatively affecting Germany.

"Germany, which follows anti-Turkish rhetoric, is aware of the situation and is trying to take strategic steps. But, taking into account the current conditions, it will still remain outside the formation of a new balance of power in the future," the expert said.

According to Kulunk, Brussels' refusal to open new accession chapters for Ankara has not put Turkey in a desperate position.

"Of course, we can't say that Germany's statement on Turkey with regard to the Customs Union won't affect Turkey at all. After all, about 50 percent of both Turkish imports and exports go to and from Europe. However, despite this, Turkey is still not helpless… and has alternative ways of development," Kulunk said.

According to the expert, a decisive role in shifting the balance of power from Europe to Eurasia will be played by Russia, especially in the context of the implementation of the new Silk Road project.

"Russia's position will determine the future of the Eurasian Customs Union, as well as the place and role of Turkey in this process," the expert said. "Three countries — Russia, China and Kazakhstan — will radically change the international system of balance of power. And, of course, Turkey will play an active role in this process," he concluded.

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In late August, the economy minister, Nihat Zeybekci, said Turkey wants to join the Eurasian Customs Union. The statement came after Germany announced its refusal to expand the EU-Turkey Customs Union.

Relations between Turkey and a number of European countries have worsened recently after several pro-referendum rallies held by Turkish officials, aimed at gaining support from Turkish citizens living abroad, were canceled in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Following such bans, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan compared German, and later Dutch, authorities to Nazis.

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