The "3+3" Platform for Regional Cooperation: Conflicting Foreign Policy Preferences

Abstract

The "3+3" format for regional cooperation is an initiative voiced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which intends to strengthen trade and economic ties between Turkey, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. Only Georgia from the listed countries is not interested in participation due to Russia's role in the format. However, the other five countries might continue with the initiative despite a large number of competing interests and frictions among them. Nonetheless, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the prospect of deepening cooperation with Moscow became even more restrained for all participants, so the future of "3+3" became even more contentious. It should be noted that the proposed format is considered as the project that could undermine the West's role by excluding its presence and influence over the region. Thus, this project poses significant political challenges to the region.