The Changing Nature of Turkey’s International Policy

Image: Flickr, Cristian Viarisio
Image: Flickr, Cristian Viarisio

Turkey’s defensive, status quo foreign policy used to have a strong Western orientation that neglected the developing world.

Following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Turkey’s political and economic interests diversified, but gaining membership of the European Union (EU) was its top priority. Turkey is a leading member of various regional economic forums. Recently, Islam is being used as a framework for domestic and international politics, and Turkey is placing more emphasis on being an independent state rather than a traditional bridge between Western and Eastern powers. An agenda based on compassion and development co-operation is an important element of Turkey’s relations with developing countries.

Author: Mehmet Arda

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

22 Mar 2015