An introduction to the Geopolitics of Central Asia and a neutral Turkmenistan. Could Turkmenistan be the answer to global instability (for your holidays)..?
Turkmenistan's neutrality is ingrained in its constitution, reflected in monuments, and celebrated as a national holiday.
In today's volatile world, with a current of ever-changing political situations and an array of media beaming opinions and news into our very grasp, it's easy to forget that a handful of countries in the world remain neutral.
Whilst the current political climate might be screaming instability, Turkmenistan's geopolitics and neutral stance make for a safe but surreal holiday destination...
That is to say, they refrain from participating in wars, joining military alliances or trading blocs, and offering asylum.
For us, it's one of the founding principles of Turkmenistan. A country where we have over two decades of experience.
Let's explore further!
How Many Permanently Neutral Countries are there?
Including Turkmenistan, there are four permanently neutral countries in the world.
Switzerland
This is the best-known of the four neutral countries. It is the longest-serving neutral country and there are many references to its neutrality in media and film on the Second World War.
It adopted neutrality in 1815, partly as a way of guaranteeing its sovereignty and independence. These days, it is seen as a way to promote itself as a bastion of diplomacy and peacekeeping.
Austria
Austria was declared neutral in 1955 and remains so to this day.
Austria's neutrality was established as part of an agreement to secure its full independence and facilitate the withdrawal of Allied troops that had remained in the country following the horrors of the Second World War.
Vatican City
The Vatican City became neutral in 1929 upon its founding.
This was in part due to the efforts of Benito Mussolini and Pope Pius XI.
The treaty ended many years of conflict between the catholic church and the Italian state.
Turkmenistan's Neutrality
A Turkmen History
Turkmenistan gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Its geopolitical situation is a challenging one, as it is situated on the borders of Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
It also shares the shores of the Caspian Sea with Russia and other countries.
As Turkmenistan gained its independence, it effectively transitioned from being a state to being a country in its own right.
Why is Turkmenistan Neutral?
As many of the surrounding countries were experiencing political unrest and turmoil, the neutrality agreement allowed it to distance itself from the surrounding chaos and focus on its nation-building.
The agreement would minimise foreign influence and give it more freedom to sell its most precious and abundant commodity - natural gas.
When Did Turkmenistan Become Neutral?
After Turkmenistan's 1991 independence, neutrality followed in 1995.
Officially, Turkmenistan became a permanently neutral state on December 12th, 1995.
President Saparmurat Niyazov championed the policy. Unlike other neutral countries, Turkmenistan sought UN recognition.
The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 50/80, which recognised Turkmenistan's neutrality.
To this day, Turkmenistan remains the only country whose neutrality is officially recognised and supported by a United Nations resolution.
Countries That Claim or Practice Aspects of Neutrality
Liechtenstein
Due to its small size, Liechtenstein has a de facto policy of neutrality, which has been in effect since the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.
Moldova
Since 1994, Moldova has maintained a policy of neutrality as outlined in its constitution.
Although it's neutral on paper, there are many constraints which mean it's not entirely neutral in practice.
Mongolia
Practices a "third neighbour" policy with which it tries to balance diplomacy between its two huge neighbours, China and Russia. It does this whilst also seeking deepening ties with "third neighbours" such as Japan, the United States, South Korea, and the EU.
Mongolia declared "permanent neutrality" in 2015, although this has never been formally recognised.
Nepal
Nepal has long followed a non-aligned and neutrality-leaning foreign policy, although it has not been fully recognised or enshrined in its constitution.
Serbia
Serbia has a self-declared neutrality, which is not internationally recognised.
Serbia, due to its geopolitical situation, still regularly finds itself cooperating with both NATO and Russia.
Ireland
Ireland is famously neutral since the outbreak of World War II, which it referred to as the Emergency.
Ireland has a policy of military neutrality, although not constitutional or treaty-bound.
There have been situations over the years that have led many to question the country's true claim of neutrality.
Celebrating Turkmen Neutrality
How Does Turkmenistan Celebrate Its Neutrality?
This is where Turkmenistan comes into its own.
Turkmenistan's Neutrality is seen as a thing of national pride.
A cornerstone of its foreign policy.
And a soothing that defines Turkmenistan as a country.
So, December 12th is a national holiday. On a government level, there will be military parades and delegations visiting.
The President of Turkmenistan will also deliver speeches praising the country's peaceful foreign policy and its role in providing international cooperation.
For many local people, as well as having the day off, there will be various cultural events. This includes concerts, performances, and art exhibitions held throughout the country.
How Monumental is Neutrality for Turkmens?
Not only is there a national holiday devoted to the celebration of neutrality, but there are books published honouring the event.
Many schools and government institutions have murals depicting the benefits of the policy (normally featuring doves and balloons).
The real icing on the cake, however, comes in the form of the Neutrality Monument (Bitaraplyk Binasy).
Turkmenistan's Neutrality Monument (Bitaraplyk Binasy)
Originally built in 1998 in the centre of Ashgabat, this 75-meter-high monument is capped with a 12-meter golden statue of the then President Saparmurat Niyazov.
(Also known as His Excellency Saparmurat Türkmenbaşy the Great, President of Turkmenistan, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, and Founder of the Nation...)
But even more than this, it rotates to always face the sun.
In 2010, the monument was dismantled and moved to the outskirts of Ashgabat, to a newly developed area. But, if you thought they had forgotten about the meaning, its new home is a massive parkland called "Neutrality Park".
We leave you with a Turkmen proverb:
Wars do not win!
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