Reassessment of Turkish Foreign Policy

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Turkish Foreign Policy

1.2. State of Research on Turkish Foreign Policy

2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. Complex Interdependence

2.2. Complex Interdependence and Turkish Foreign Policy

3. TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY IN CLOSE UP

3.1. Turkish Foreign Policy during and after the Cold War

3.2. Reassessment of Turkish Foreign Policy

3.2.1. Reassessment of Turkish Foreign Policy-Making in the Middle East

4. IN THE AFTERMATH OF TURKEY’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY

4.1. Consequences of this new approach in Turkish Foreign Policy

4.2. Perceptions about Turkey in the Middle East

4.3. Turkey as a Model for the Arab World?

5. CONCLUSION

6. TABLES

6.1. Table 1: Trade Profile. Turkey 2010

6.2. Table 2: Foreign Trade by country groups 2011 & 2012

6.3. Table 3: Foreign Trade by top twenty countries 2011 & 2012 (Turkey)

6.4. Table 4: What is your opinion about the following countries? (TESEV)

Research Objectives and Key Topics

This paper examines the significant reassessment of Turkish foreign policy since 2002, analyzing the shift toward a more proactive, multi-dimensional engagement in the Middle East. It investigates how economic factors and the influence of new non-state actors have shaped this strategic transformation, while assessing the consequences for Turkey's regional relations and its evolving role as a mediator.

• The transition from security-focused, cautious diplomacy to a proactive, multifaceted foreign policy.
• The application of the "complex interdependence" theoretical framework to contemporary Turkish foreign policy.
• The role of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and newly emerged economic elite (the "Anatolian Tigers").
• Turkey’s changing relations with key Middle Eastern neighbors, specifically Iraq, Iran, and Syria.
• The debate regarding Turkey’s potential as a political and economic model for the Arab world.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research focus on the evolution of Turkish foreign policy and its increasing role in the Middle East, while reviewing existing scholarly debates on this transformation.

2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Introduces the concept of "complex interdependence" by Keohane and Nye as a model to analyze how economic factors and multiple interaction channels influence Turkish foreign relations.

3. TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY IN CLOSE UP: Analyzes the transition from the security-dominated strategy of the Cold War and 1990s to the post-2002 reassessment, focusing on specific relations with Iraq, Iran, and Syria.

4. IN THE AFTERMATH OF TURKEY’S NEW FOREIGN POLICY: Discusses the broader consequences of this approach, examining changing regional perceptions of Turkey and the ongoing debate about Turkey as a model for the Arab world.

5. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that while Turkey has successfully become a more open and active regional power, it faces new challenges—particularly regarding regional turmoil—that require a constant re-evaluation of its foreign policy strategy.

6. TABLES: Provides empirical data on Turkish foreign trade patterns and public perception polls conducted by TESEV, illustrating the economic and social dimensions of the discussed policy shifts.

Keywords

Turkish foreign policy, Middle East, Complex interdependence, AKP, Turgut Özal, Anatolian Tigers, Soft power, Economic diplomacy, Regional mediation, Arab Uprisings, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Democratization, Economic liberalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this bachelor thesis?

The thesis focuses on the transformation of Turkish foreign policy since the early 2000s, specifically analyzing how Turkey has reassessed its strategic approach and increased its engagement in the Middle East.

What are the primary thematic areas covered in the work?

The work covers the transition from security-centered diplomacy to a multi-dimensional approach, the influence of economic interests and non-state actors, and Turkey's evolving relationships with neighboring states.

What is the main objective or research question of the thesis?

The research aims to analyze whether there has been a significant shift in Turkish foreign policy and, if so, to determine the consequences of this shift on Turkey's relations with its neighbors.

Which scientific methodology is utilized in the study?

The study utilizes the "complex interdependence" theoretical framework, developed by Robert O. Keohane and Joseph S. Nye, to analyze and classify the observed shifts in Turkish foreign policy.

What topics are discussed in the main part of the work?

The main part analyzes the historical context of the Cold War and the 1990s, the impact of democratization and economic liberalization, and detailed case studies on Turkish relations with Iraq, Iran, and Syria.

Which keywords characterize this research?

The work is characterized by terms such as Turkish foreign policy, Middle East, complex interdependence, soft power, regional mediation, and economic diplomacy.

How did Turgut Özal influence Turkey's foreign policy orientation?

Turgut Özal is identified as a pioneer who initiated liberal market policies and opened new export markets in neighboring regions, sowing the seeds for the pluralization of Turkish foreign policymaking.

How does the thesis evaluate Turkey's role as a "model" for the Arab world?

The thesis concludes that while the "Turkish model" serves as an inspiring success story, it is not a "ready-made formula" that can be easily transferred, as every state possesses unique historical and cultural characteristics.