Normalization of Relations between Turkey and Armenia and its Effect on the South Caucasus Geopolitics

Approaching neo-functionalism, the article attempts to discuss achievements in three different periods of short, middle and long terms relations between Turkey and Armenia namely, opening borders, normalization and reliable partners in economic, political, and security areas. In this regard, the article maintains the dynamics governing bilateral relations and their evolution in the given times and context of the region. In the short term, the focus is on the effects of opening borders on the two nations’ economy, while in the middle term the focus is on relief and operation of regional infrastructure remaining from the Soviet era and forming the new communication infrastructure and energy pipe lines and their compliance with the European projects as a gateway to the regional economic integration. Finally, the article discusses the split over the said areas in the long term that may lead to the new types of political alliances and coalitions and the resolution of the regional differences such as Karabakh. According to this approach, the future of the region is not only more sensible but more touchable to the interests of the parties involved, including the regional and ultra regional powers.