Baku: The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is rapidly becoming a significant player in Central Asia, according to Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. In an article titled 'Why the US Must Include the Organization of Turkic States in Its Central Asia Policy,' published in The National Interest journal, Coffey emphasized the importance of the United States engaging more seriously with groups like the OTS to remain competitive in global power dynamics.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Coffey suggested that now is an opportune moment for President Donald Trump to intensify U.S. involvement in the region. Trump's efforts to mediate a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan could pave the way for a new transportation corridor, dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, enhancing connections between Turkey and Central Asian Turkic nations. This development could lead to increased trade and economic opportunities for the region, including Armenia.
Coffey highlighted the geopolitical significance of OTS member countries, which collectively represent over 160 million people across 1.6 million square miles, with a combined GDP nearing $2 trillion. These nations are rich in natural resources, such as oil, natural gas, and rare earth minerals, and control key trade routes like the Turkish Straits and the Middle Corridor.
Post-Soviet independence, Central Asian Turkic countries have sought to revive their cultural heritage, including transitioning from Cyrillic to Latin-based scripts and prioritizing national languages in education. The OTS has expanded its focus from cultural to economic integration, with discussions around a customs-union-like arrangement and the Simplified Customs Corridor initiative. The recent OTS summit in Gabala, Azerbaijan, underscored a new emphasis on security cooperation, with Azerbaijan proposing the first-ever OTS military exercise in 2026.
Coffey argued that enhanced U.S. engagement would help OTS members maintain balanced foreign relations among global powers, positioning the organization as a counterbalance to Russia and China. He cautioned that the U.S.-OTS relationship requires deliberate effort and sustained focus to avoid geopolitical negligence and safeguard American interests in the region.