Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, cilt.27, sa.3, ss.1270-1294, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
This study examines the areas of cooperation in Russia–China relations in both historical and contemporary contexts, while also analyzing the impact of global and regional developments on these relations. In the historical process shaped since the 19th century, the relations between the two countries have at times been defined by ideological divergences, distrust, and conflicts of interest, and at other times have rested on a foundation of cooperation shaped by shared threat perceptions and strategic objectives. The new geopolitical environment that emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union brought Moscow and Beijing together on a common ground in the pursuit of a multipolar international order. The study briefly addresses the historical background of Russia–China relations but primarily focuses on the growing tendency of mutual rapprochement in the 21st century. In this study, the “Interdependence” theory, which suggests that the behaviors of actors are mutually affected by one another, has been utilized, and the relations between the two countries have been addressed in this context. The findings indicate that the defense of a multipolar world, a common stance against U.S. hegemony, and efforts to act jointly in international platforms reflect the two countries’ attempts and cooperation to create an alternative to the Western-centered international order. On the other hand, asymmetry in economic relations, historical mistrust, and conflicts of interest in Central Asia limit the scope of cooperation. In this context, despite the existence of many areas of cooperation, these partnerships can only be realized within certain limits; bilateral relations progress in a complex and variable structure depending on regional and global changes, and common interests or conflicts of interest closely relate to regional and global power balances.