Turkey – the evolving interface of international relations and domestic politics

Abstract

Since late in the Ottoman Empire until after the end of the Cold War, Turkey’s foreign policy was essentially defensive, seeking to maintain the status quo. Particularly during the Cold War, this manifested itself in a strong Western orientation, with considerable neglect of relations with the developing world. Following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Turkey’s interests diversified, although pursuit of membership in the European Union (EU) stood out as a key goal. Indeed, compliance with EU criteria was behind liberal domestic reform. However, Turkey’s non-interventionist and liberal stance has been gradually abandoned with a rise in Islamic references in both domestic and international politics, and a drift away from the EU is apparent. Turkey’s leaders have vocally supported those that the government feels are wrongly treated in the international arena. This emphasis on morality reflects the views of domestic religious conservative groups, which form the new centres of power in Turkey. However, an increasingly sectarian approach and repeated statements stressing Turkey’s independence from the West reduce its effectiveness in the region and globally, contrary to Turkey’s professed foreign policy objectives.