14.3 Turkey's foreign policy shifts and regional ambitions
2 min read•july 23, 2024
Turkey's foreign policy under the has shifted dramatically. Moving away from a Western focus, Turkey now engages more with the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This "" approach aims to boost regional relations through diplomacy and .
Turkey's new stance has positioned it as a potential model for . By balancing secular governance with Islamic values, Turkey has increased its regional influence. However, this shift has strained relationships with traditional allies like the US and EU.
Turkey's Foreign Policy Shifts under the AKP
Key shifts in Turkey's foreign policy
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- Shifted from primarily Western-oriented foreign policy to multidimensional approach engaging with Middle East, Africa, and Asia
- Pursued "zero problems with neighbors" policy to improve regional relations
- Placed greater emphasis on soft power and diplomacy through mediation efforts in regional conflicts (Israel-Palestine) and promoting cultural and
- Took assertive stance on regional issues by supporting and criticizing
- Gradually distanced from traditional allies leading to strained relations with United States and European Union over disagreements on regional policies and human rights concerns
Turkey's regional influence and leadership
- Positioned itself as model for Islamic democracy balancing secular governance with Islamic values and promoting economic development and modernization
- Actively involved in regional organizations as member of (OIC) and observer state in
- Engaged economically with Middle Eastern countries through expanded trade ties, infrastructure projects, and construction contracts
- Provided humanitarian and development assistance to conflict-affected areas by supporting and providing aid to Palestine
Turkey's Regional Relationships and Implications
Turkey's relationships with neighbors
- Syria
- Initially supported Syrian opposition groups during civil war
- Hosted Syrian refugees and established safe zones
- Experienced tensions over and territorial disputes
- Iraq
- Expressed concerns over autonomy of Iraqi Kurds
- Maintained economic ties and
- Balanced relations with central government and regional actors
- Israel
- Diplomatic relations deteriorated after
- Criticized Israeli policies towards Palestinians
- Maintained limited economic and security cooperation despite political tensions
Implications for regional stability
- Potential for increased regional influence and leadership by shaping and mediating conflicts through soft power projection (cultural and economic ties)
- Challenges traditional power balances by shifting alliances and partnerships in Middle East and impacting role of (United States, Russia)
- Risks overextension and unintended consequences through involvement in multiple regional conflicts and crises, potentially leading to backlash from neighboring countries and international community
- Implications for Turkey's domestic politics and stability as it balances foreign policy ambitions with internal challenges and impacts on democratic institutions and human rights record
Key Terms to Review (21)
AKP: The AKP, or Justice and Development Party, is a political party in Turkey founded in 2001 that has significantly shaped the country's political landscape. The party emerged from the remnants of Turkey's Islamist movement and adopted a more moderate approach to governance, focusing on democratic reforms, economic development, and a pro-European Union stance. Its rise to power has led to substantial shifts in Turkey's foreign policy and regional ambitions.
Arab League: The Arab League is a regional organization of Arab countries formed in 1945 to promote political, economic, cultural, and social cooperation among its member states. This organization aims to strengthen ties between Arab nations and coordinate their policies on various issues, including conflicts, trade, and cultural initiatives.
Cultural ties: Cultural ties refer to the connections and relationships between people and communities that are formed through shared cultural practices, values, traditions, and languages. These ties play a crucial role in shaping national identity and influence foreign policy decisions, as countries often seek to strengthen bonds with those who share similar cultural backgrounds.
Economic ties: Economic ties refer to the relationships and connections between countries or regions that facilitate trade, investment, and economic cooperation. These ties can shape foreign policy decisions and influence regional dynamics, especially when nations seek to strengthen their economies through mutual benefits and collaborations.
Energy cooperation: Energy cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts between countries to share resources, technologies, and strategies to enhance energy security and sustainability. In the context of international relations, it involves partnerships that can lead to mutual benefits such as economic growth, political stability, and improved energy efficiency. This concept is especially relevant for Turkey, as it navigates its foreign policy shifts and regional ambitions in an energy-dependent global landscape.
External actors: External actors refer to foreign entities, governments, organizations, or individuals that influence or intervene in the affairs of a country or region from outside its borders. In the context of Turkey's foreign policy shifts and regional ambitions, these external actors can significantly shape political dynamics, economic relationships, and security strategies, often driving Turkey to reassess its own policies and alliances to navigate these influences.
Gaza Flotilla Incident: The Gaza Flotilla Incident refers to the events of May 31, 2010, when a flotilla of six ships, organized by various humanitarian and activist groups, attempted to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The Israeli military intercepted the flotilla, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in the deaths of nine activists. This incident had significant implications for Turkey's foreign policy, particularly its relations with Israel and its role in regional diplomacy.
Humanitarian assistance: Humanitarian assistance refers to the aid provided to people in need during crises, such as natural disasters or conflicts, aimed at preserving human life and alleviating suffering. This type of support can take various forms, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and other essential services, and is often delivered in coordination with international organizations and governments. The delivery of humanitarian assistance is critical in regions where political instability or conflict disrupts normal life and challenges the state's capacity to respond effectively.
Islamic Democracy: Islamic democracy refers to a political system that blends Islamic principles with democratic governance, promoting the idea that Islamic values and laws can coexist with democratic practices such as elections and political participation. This concept suggests that the state can be guided by Islamic ethics while allowing for a representative government, where the voice of the people is recognized within an Islamic framework.
Israeli Policies: Israeli policies refer to the strategic decisions and actions taken by the State of Israel regarding its domestic and foreign affairs, particularly in relation to security, territorial management, and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and the Palestinian territories. These policies shape Israel's interactions with its regional environment and influence its role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Kurdish Militias: Kurdish militias are armed groups formed by Kurdish communities primarily in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, often organized to defend their territories and pursue political autonomy. These militias, such as the People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Peshmerga, play a significant role in regional conflicts, particularly in the fight against ISIS and their relationship with neighboring states like Turkey, which sees them as a threat to its national security.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states, aimed at promoting Muslim solidarity and cooperation on social, economic, political, and cultural issues. The OIC plays a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by Muslim-majority countries and influencing international relations within the context of global politics.
Palestinian rights: Palestinian rights refer to the entitlements and protections afforded to the Palestinian people under international law, including their right to self-determination, protection from discrimination, and the right to return to their homeland. These rights are central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, impacting regional stability and international relations, especially as various countries navigate their foreign policy in relation to the Palestinian struggle for statehood and recognition.
Regional Dynamics: Regional dynamics refers to the interactions and relationships among countries and non-state actors within a specific geographical area, shaped by historical, political, economic, and social factors. In the context of Turkey's foreign policy shifts and regional ambitions, understanding these dynamics is essential as they influence Turkey's relationships with neighboring countries, its responses to conflicts, and its role in broader geopolitical strategies.
Regional stability: Regional stability refers to a state of equilibrium in a geographic area where political, economic, and social factors are balanced, leading to peace and security among nations. It is influenced by various elements such as military power, diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and environmental sustainability, all of which can impact a region's ability to maintain peace and prevent conflict.
Soft power: Soft power is the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. It involves using cultural, ideological, and diplomatic means to shape the preferences of others and can be especially effective in international relations by building relationships and fostering cooperation.
Syrian refugees: Syrian refugees are individuals who have fled Syria due to the ongoing civil war that began in 2011, seeking safety and asylum in other countries. The crisis has resulted in millions of Syrians being displaced, making it one of the largest refugee crises in recent history, significantly impacting regional politics and international relations.
Turkey-Iraq relations: Turkey-Iraq relations refer to the diplomatic, economic, and security interactions between the two neighboring countries. These relations have been shaped by a range of factors including historical ties, ethnic dynamics, regional conflicts, and security concerns, particularly regarding the Kurdish population and terrorism. Over time, Turkey has aimed to assert its influence in Iraq while addressing its own national security interests, especially in the context of shifting foreign policies and regional ambitions.
Turkey-Israel Relations: Turkey-Israel relations refer to the diplomatic, economic, and military interactions between the Republic of Turkey and the State of Israel, characterized by periods of cooperation and tension. These relations have evolved significantly over the decades, influenced by regional politics, security concerns, and shifting alliances, particularly in the context of Turkey's foreign policy shifts and regional ambitions.
Turkey-Syria relations: Turkey-Syria relations refer to the complex political, economic, and military interactions between Turkey and Syria, shaped by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and regional dynamics. These relations have evolved significantly, particularly in the context of Turkey's foreign policy shifts and its ambitions in the Middle East, which have been influenced by issues such as the Syrian Civil War, Kurdish autonomy, and refugee crises.
Zero problems with neighbors: Zero problems with neighbors is a foreign policy doctrine promoted by Turkey's ruling party aimed at fostering positive relations with neighboring countries to promote stability and cooperation. This approach emphasizes diplomatic engagement, conflict resolution, and economic partnerships, which reflect Turkey's ambition to assert itself as a regional power while minimizing external conflicts and tensions.