Change in Turkey's Foreign Policy

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in Turkey’s foreign policy especially since the end of the Cold War. The literature on foreign policy change argues that wholesale change in states’ foreign policy is rare; this is even truer in the case of rule by the same party. In analysing foreign policy change under the AKP, there are three aspects of change: goals, methods, and orientation. The recent change in Turkey’s foreign policy became quite visible in 2016–2017. Turkish relations with its traditional allies have been especially tense since the 15 July 2016 failed coup attempt against the AKP government. In addition to the impact of global transformation, regional political shifts and events are equally important. Finally, exploiting foreign policy can increase a government’s political power domestically. To conclude, Turkey’s foreign policy under the rule of the same party has been going through significant change in recent years.