Introduction
Turkey has been more active and independent in its foreign policy since the coming of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to power in 2014. This change has far-reaching consequences for the Middle Eastern political map. Thus Turkey’s goal is to increase its power within the region by using its geographical position, military strength, and economic relations. This paper aims to analyze Turkey’s foreign policy approach, its implications for the region, as well as the opportunities and risks associated with it.
Historical Background of Turkish Foreign Policy
Foreign policy of Turkey has been changing since the formation of the republic in 1923. Turkey, up until recently, has been a careful and moderate nation, which while being a member of NATO and an ally of the United States, has not interfered in regional conflicts.
Post-Cold War Era:
The breakup of the cold war and the disintegration of the Soviet Union marked a shift in the foreign policy of Turkey. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Turkey aimed at EU membership and at the same time promoted regional cooperation such as BSEC.
AKP Era and Neo-Ottomanism:
The coming of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2002 has been characterized by a more active and aggressive foreign policy that is known as Neo-Ottomanism The foreign policy aims to re-establish Turkey as a dominant power in the former Ottoman territories.
Turkey’s Strategic Objectives
Several goals define Turkey’s foreign policy, such as the promotion of Turkey’s influence in the region, security, and economic goals.
Regional Influence:
Turkey has the strategic goal to become the leading regional power by increasing its authority in the neighboring countries and in the rest of the world. This includes participation in regional wars, peace making and partnership.
Border Security:
Turkish security interests and the Kurdish issue as well as the Syrian crisis are some of the most significant factors that influence the country’s foreign policy. Turkey’s military operations in Syria and Iraq are to weaken Kurdish forces and to ensure the control of its borders in the south.
Economic Interests:
Economic considerations are also central to Turkey’s foreign policy. By fostering trade relations and investing in infrastructure projects, Turkey seeks to enhance its economic ties with regional partners and secure energy resources.
Key Aspects of Turkey’s Assertive Foreign Policy
Turkey’s assertive foreign policy is manifested through its military interventions, diplomatic initiatives, and economic engagements.
Military Interventions:
Turkey has undertaken several military operations in Syria, Iraq, and Libya, aimed at countering threats and expanding its influence. Operations such as “Euphrates Shield,” “Olive Branch,” and “Peace Spring” in Syria were launched to target Kurdish militias and ISIS, while intervention in Libya supports the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) against General Khalifa Haftar’s forces.
Diplomatic Initiatives:
Turkey has sought to mediate conflicts and foster regional cooperation through diplomatic channels. Efforts to broker ceasefires in Libya, mediate between warring factions in Somalia, and host peace talks for Afghanistan underscore Turkey’s diplomatic ambitions.
Economic Engagements:
Turkey’s economic engagements include investing in infrastructure projects and enhancing trade relations with regional partners. Initiatives like the “Middle Corridor” project, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aim to establish Turkey as a transit hub connecting Europe and Asia.
Impact on Regional Dynamics
Turkey’s assertive foreign policy has significant implications for regional dynamics, influencing alliances, conflicts, and economic cooperation.
Shifting Alliances:
Turkey’s actions have led to shifting alliances in the Middle East. While maintaining its NATO membership and partnership with the U.S., Turkey has also sought closer ties with Russia and Iran. This balancing act reflects Ankara’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy that prioritizes national interests over traditional alliances.
Conflict Zones:
Turkey’s military interventions have altered the dynamics of conflict zones in Syria, Iraq, and Libya. In Syria, Turkey’s presence has prevented the establishment of a Kurdish autonomous region along its border, while in Libya, Turkish support has bolstered the GNA’s position in the ongoing civil war.
Economic Cooperation:
Turkey’s economic initiatives have strengthened ties with regional partners. Enhanced trade relations with countries like Qatar, Iran, and Somalia, along with infrastructure investments in Africa and Central Asia, underscore Turkey’s economic diplomacy.
Challenges:
Regional Tensions:
Turkey’s activities have taken a toll on the relations with many countries including Greece, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Territorial claims over the waters in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey’s backing of the Muslim brotherhood have further strained relations.
Domestic Criticism:
At home, his foreign policy has been criticized for overstretching Turkey’s military and economic capabilities. Critics of the government say that Turkey’s interference in external affairs takes focus away from internal problems.
International Scrutiny:
The recent records of Turkey in the area of human rights as well as the democratic regression have been criticized by the international community and have influenced the relations of the country with the western partners and the EU membership perspective.
Opportunities:
Strategic Autonomy:
Turkey’s independent foreign policy increases its strategic freedom and helps it to cope with the regional challenges and promote its interests more effectively.
Economic Gains:
Turkey can obtain energy resources and stimulate its economic development by developing economic cooperation and investing in the infrastructure of the region. For instance, the Middle Corridor project can help Turkey to become a trade bridge.
Regional Leadership:
Turkey’s active diplomacy and mediation role make Turkey a possible leader in the regional conflict and cooperation processes. This also increases Turkey’s soft power and its role in diplomacy.
Conclusion
The rising assertiveness of Turkey’s foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is a new development in the regional dynamics of the Middle East. In this context, military operations, diplomatic actions and economic relations are used by Turkey to increase its role in the region and to protect its interests. Although this approach has its drawbacks such as tensions with regional countries and domestic opposition, it has advantages such as economic development and independence. Knowledge of Turkey’s changing position is important for anyone who wants to make sense of the future of the Middle East.
Bottom Line
Turkey’s aggressive foreign policy is, therefore, an indication of its desire to be among the most influential countries in the region. It will be therefore important for Turkey to effectively manage and balance its national interests with regional and international actors in order to effectively maneuver within the Middle East.