The AK Party’s Foreign Policy: Turkish Somalia Relat

Abstract

Somalia which has been rule by the Ottoman Empire is part of the strategic depth strategy of Turkey initated under AKP ruling party as an instrument of foreign policy tool. The geostrategic location of Somalia has given AKP unique position to benefit from establishing and being engaged in Somalia affair. Turkey under AKP leadership aim to gain a strategic foothold in Africa and Somalia gives best opportunities. In line with all of such efforts and through arranging of various conferences, Turkey objectives are to create the appropriate ground to impose its influence in this African region, and Somalia. On the other hand, through the restoration and management of various straits and ports in this region, Turkey is trying to obtain a geostrategic footing in the control of the movement and corridors of world trade, and next to establish the a military bases, through which to influence and control the changes that are happening in the region and in the future to maintain the course of changes and orientation in accordance with its strategic interests. In this region, Turkey is competing with Middle Eastern and North African countries. Therefore, to address the research central obejctives the research aims to respond the questions as such: to what Turkish military base in Somalia, under soft power mechanism, could influence the latter’s security and stability?