The Turkish Soft Power Approach in Diplomatic Relations with Kosovo, 2008–2020

Abstract

In international political relations, states choose certain models and approaches to apply in order to achieve certain strategic objectives, whether to improve their relations or to accomplish some other goal. Aside from politics and economics, states especially use soft power in these relations, always remaining aware that international relations can be counterproductive; thus a high level of acceptance by the other state, in our case Turkey, is important. Turkey is the successor to the Ottoman Empire, and it still tends to exert its influence on the Balkan region based on neo-Ottomanism. History, traditions, customs, ways of life, symbols, and the possibility of movement often turn out to be the best mechanisms for building relationships, initially between societies and subsequently between political entities. This paper highlights relations between Kosovo and Turkey, especially at certain times when they have experienced barely noticeable cracks. It looks at these relations through bottom-up reports expressing positive perceptions resulting from Turkey’s soft approach vis-à-vis Kosovo, especially in terms of cultural proximity, the possibility of movement, trade, and other social values.