Turkey: From Torn Country to Pivotal Country

The studies on Turkish Foreign Policy have recently increased. There are three main reasons of this increase: The first one is the relative political and economic stability stemming from single party government in Turkey since 2002. This factor has shaped the making and implementation of the Turkey’s foreign policy. Second one is the regional changes in Iran, Syria, Iraq and the effects of the so-called Arab Spring. The last reason is the leadership skills which are also called as Erdogan/Davutoglu factor. These three factors have led to some changes in the traditional patterns of Turkish foreign policy. This study deals with how to analyse these changes. Many concepts have been used to identify the main determinants of Turkish foreign policy and determine the real position of Turkey in the international system. Zero problem, strategic depth, proactive diplomacy, rhythmic diplomacy, pivotal country are among these determinants. However, there are some critiques that there is an axis shift in Turkish foreign policy. For about twenty years ago, Samuel Huntington, described Turkey as a “torn” country, which has been unable to reconcile its internal, cultural differences, and settle for a stable democracy unhampered by the temptations of authoritarianism. Today Turkey is believed to be a completely different country. This study also tries to show the real place of Turkey within divergent debates. Therefore firstly the traditional principals of Turkish foreign policy since the foundation of Turkey are to be analysed. Then the major changes in the last decade will be emphasised. In the last part, the pros and cons of the claims on the shift in Turkish foreign policy will be comparatively discussed.