Turkey's Geopolitical Strategy in the Mediterranean

In late 2024, jubilant crowds in Syria celebrated the collapse of the al-Assad regime, reminiscent of the scenes in Iraq in 2003. This shift has created a significant geopolitical vacuum, with Turkey positioning itself to fill the power void left by the Syrian regime’s fall. Turkey's recent moves, including a potential Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement with Syria, reflect its broader strategy to assert dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean, building on earlier agreements with Libya. Ankara's 'Blue Homeland' doctrine underlines its ambitions for maritime control, which has drawn criticism for exacerbating regional tensions and ignoring established maritime laws. As Turkey continues to leverage military and economic tools, concerns are growing about the implications for stability in the region, particularly regarding its relationships with neighboring countries. The evolving dynamics in Syria, Libya, and the Mediterranean are pivotal in shaping Turkey's influence and the future geopolitical landscape of the area.