Science and education diplomacy, South Caucasus: cooperation perspectives between Azerbaijan and Georgia (2002–2021) in Turkey's politics

Abstract

The importance of science and education diplomacy in the South Caucasus has grown markedly since the early 2000s, being Turkey an important collaborator through many institutions such as: the Turkish Academy of Sciences, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. However, existing literature has yet to provide a comprehensive evaluation of how these initiatives have specifically shaped cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia under Turkey’s regional policies from 2002 to 2021. This study addresses that gap by employing a qualitative, historical-comparative methodology, drawing on official government documents, institutional reports, and statistical data to trace the evolution of bilateral science and education agreements. Findings reveal that TAS’s first protocol with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences in 2003, renewed on ANAS’s 70th anniversary in 2015, and the 2008 protocol with the Georgian National Academy of Sciences have sustained joint symposiums, exchange programs, and co-publications. TÜBİTAK’s project portfolio—including NATO-supported catalyst development (2002), metrology consultancy (2013), and cyber-defense training (2019)—and TİKA’s extensive educational infrastructure investments have supplied critical material, and human resources. Political volatility—especially Turkey’s limited engagement with Armenia—remains a constraint on regional integration. The findings underscore the strategic role of science diplomacy as a “soft power” instrument and suggest that expanding direct institutional links, enhancing multilateral platforms, and resolving diplomatic impasses could magnify Turkey’s contributions to South Caucasus development. Future research should quantify the socio-economic impacts of these collaborations and explore pathways for inclusive trilateral engagement.