Valiyeva, Kamala2024-10-122024-10-122021978-605-07-0806-6https://doi.org/10.26650/B/SS52.2021.011.05https://hdl.handle.net/11467/8703The main focus of the chapter is an examination of the issue of the Eurasian pivot in Russian and Turkish foreign policy. In doing so the chapter aims to determine the ideational and rational underpinnings of a substantial shift in foreign policy identity construction by concentrating on the question of whether Eurasianism constitutes an ideational premise of the Eurasian pivot. Another major question this chapter seeks to address is the strategic rationale behind the eastward shift. In this context, the chapter argues that the ideational foundation of the Eurasian pivot in both countries' foreign policy is a fusion of two substantial elements of Eurasianism: anti-Westernism in combination with a post-imperial great power mindset (the discourse of velikoderjavnost and neo-Ottomanism). At the same time, it is not merely an ideational construction that drives such dynamics in foreign policy identity construction; it is also a pragmatic and rational interest that demands an instrumental use of the Eurasianist idea. In other words, what drives the Eurasian pivot and mutual rapprochement in this context is the need to acquire more effective maneuvering instruments and mechanisms with the aim to strengthen the international position against the West. Thus, Eurasianism in both countries' Eurasia pivot discourse constitutes an instrumental approach.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessEurasia pivotEurasianismforeign policy identityGreater Eurasia PartnershipAsia Anew InitiativeBook Chapter87111N/AWOS:00086788940000710.26650/B/SS52.2021.011.05