The Turkverse Theory of Strategic Influence: Introducing the Integrated Turkic Influence Model as a Framework for Middle Power Agency in the Post-Unipolar Order

The dissolution of the post-Cold War unipolar order has exposed a fundamental lacuna in international relations theory: existing frameworks — structural realism, liberal institutionalism, constructivism, and soft power theory — each capture important dimensions of state behaviour in the contemporary Eurasian geopolitical space but none can account for the distinctive form of multi-domain influence that Türkiye and its Turkic-world partners have constructed without a formal alliance, a hegemonic anchor, or a single integrating institution. This article introduces the Turkverse Theory of Strategic Influence and its operational instrument, the Integrated Turkic Influence Model (ITIM), as a new theoretical contribution to the international relations literature. The Turkverse is defined as a geopolitically constituted influence ecosystem in which five interdependent structural domains — geopolitical connectivity, economic network integration, military and security cooperation, cultural-ideational influence, and institutional-diplomatic integration — operate simultaneously and generate cumulative strategic capacity through cross-domain amplification that exceeds the sum of individual contributions. The article argues that the ITIM constitutes a theoretically distinct framework rather than a derivative of existing approaches, advances the concept of the Connectivity-Influence Nexus (CIN) as a new analytical tool within the framework, and demonstrates the model's empirical applicability through systematic reference to Türkiye's multi-domain engagement architecture across the Eurasian Turkic space from 2009 to 2025. The article concludes that the Turkverse framework offers a new basis for understanding middle power agency in the post-unipolar order that has policy implications for Turkish foreign policy doctrine and broader relevance for the study of non-Western influence architectures.