Turkey’s Foreign Policy

Turkey’s foreign policy is shaped by a combination of historical, geographic, and strategic factors. Historically, Turkey has been a bridge between Europe and Asia, and its location at the crossroads of these two continents has given it a unique strategic importance. In terms of geography, Turkey shares borders with several countries, including Syria, Iraq, Iran, Georgia, Armenia, Bulgaria, and Greece, which has a significant impact on its foreign policy. Finally, Turkey’s strategic interests are shaped by its desire to maintain its regional influence, secure its borders, and promote its economic and security interests.

Under the current government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s foreign policy has become more assertive and proactive. Turkey has sought to increase its regional influence and promote its interests by playing a more active role in regional and international affairs. In particular, Turkey has sought to position itself as a leader in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and has been involved in several regional conflicts, including in Syria and Libya.

Turkey’s Relations With EU & USA

One of the key elements of Turkey’s foreign policy is its relationship with the United States and NATO. Turkey is a member of NATO and has traditionally been a close ally of the United States. However, the relationship between Turkey and the United States has become strained in recent years due to several factors, including Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and its military intervention in northern Syria.

Turkey’s relationship with the European Union (EU) is also an important aspect of its foreign policy. Turkey has sought to become a member of the EU for many years, but the accession process has been stalled due to several issues, including human rights concerns and Turkey’s relationship with Cyprus.

Turkey has been carefully balancing its relations with both sides in the war. Ukraine received crucial armaments, such as the much-vaunted Bayraktar drones, but also equipment including Kirpi armoured troop carriers and body armours by Turkey. Turkey, as the custodian of the Black Sea entrance, swiftly implemented a closure of its straits to military vessels shortly after the commencement of the conflict, effectively preventing Moscow from reinforcing its fleet. At the same time, President Erdogan has consistently maintained regular ties with President Putin. In line with Turkey’s policy of adhering strictly to UN Security Council-approved sanctions, Turkey has continued to maintain economic ties with Russia, even as Western nations have distanced themselves from Russia.

Turkey’s Relations With Arabs

Turkey’s relations with Arab countries have historically experienced fluctuations, ranging from cooperation and alliances to periods of enmity and distrust. Throughout the 19th century and beyond, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have maintained a complex relationship characterized by a mix of economic partnership and strained political ties, rooted in their historical animosity.

Turkey has been actively engaged in efforts to normalize its relationships with Arab countries. Facing economic challenges and a struggling economy, Turkey has embarked on repairing ties with former adversaries in the region. President Erdogan has taken steps to establish connections with ideological opponents in the Middle East, with the aim of attracting investments that can help revive the depreciating lira, address unemployment, and potentially secure his return to power in Turkey’s upcoming 2023 elections.

Turkey’s Relations With Russia

In relation to the Russo-Ukrainian war, Turkey has officially classified the Russian invasion as a “war,” invoking its rights under the 1936 Montreux Convention to close the Bosporus Strait, which provides access to the Black Sea, to warships. While this measure applies to all naval vessels, it is primarily seen as a precautionary move aimed at Russia’s fleet in case Moscow attempts to strengthen its existing firepower in the region. Turkey’s decision holds significant symbolic value as it demonstrates support for Ukraine.

Turkey has become a significant and influential actor in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, occupying a pivotal position. Ankara’s involvement spans multiple areas, including security cooperation with Ukraine, energy cooperation with Russia, and acting as a diplomatic mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. This multifaceted engagement demonstrates Turkey’s active role and its efforts to contribute to the resolution of the conflict. While providing support to Ukraine, including the sale of advanced drones, Turkey has maintained its relations with Moscow, declining to join its Western allies in sanctions and tempering its rhetoric against its important trading partner.

Turkey has actively pursued the expansion of its trade and commercial ties with both Russia and Ukraine. It has sought to strengthen economic relations with these countries, serving as a destination for Russian tourists and importing oil and gas from both Russia and Ukraine. This demonstrates Turkey’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial economic relationships in the region.

Turkey’s Role in Middle East

Turkey’s foreign policy towards the Middle East is multifaceted and driven by various factors, including historical, cultural, economic, and strategic considerations. Turkey’s geographic location, bridging Europe and Asia, places it at the crossroads of the Middle East, and this proximity has significant implications for its foreign policy.

One of the key elements of Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East is its aspiration to increase its regional influence and establish itself as a prominent actor in the region. Turkey has sought to actively engage with Middle Eastern countries, promoting economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and political dialogue. It has pursued a policy of “zero problems with neighbors,” aiming to foster stable and mutually beneficial relations with Middle Eastern nations.

Turkey has been involved in various regional conflicts and crises in the Middle East, such as the Syrian civil war and the Libyan conflict, where it has taken an active role. In Syria, Turkey has supported certain opposition groups and played a significant role in hosting and assisting Syrian refugees. However, Turkey’s involvement in these conflicts has also raised tensions with some regional powers and strained its relations with other countries.

Additionally, Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East is influenced by its stance on political Islam. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey has demonstrated support for Islamist movements in the region, which has both garnered influence and faced criticism from other states.

Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East is also shaped by its energy interests, particularly in terms of natural gas exploration and transportation. As a transit hub for energy resources, Turkey plays a crucial role in regional energy dynamics and seeks to leverage its position for economic and strategic gains.

However, it is important to note that Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East is complex and subject to evolving dynamics. Shifting alliances, regional rivalries, and conflicts in the Middle East pose challenges and require Turkey to navigate carefully to protect its national interests and maintain regional stability.

Turkey’s Relations with South Asia and China

Turkey’s foreign policy towards South Asia and China is influenced by a combination of factors, including regional dynamics, economic interests, and strategic considerations. Regarding South Asia, Turkey has maintained diplomatic relations with countries in the region and seeks to enhance economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Turkey’s engagement with South Asian nations primarily focuses on trade and investment opportunities, infrastructure development, and collaboration in sectors such as energy, textiles, and construction. Turkey also expresses support for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region and has shown interest in facilitating peace talks and providing humanitarian assistance.

In terms of China, Turkey maintains diplomatic relations and recognizes China’s growing economic and political influence. Turkey seeks to enhance economic cooperation with China, particularly in trade and investment, infrastructure projects, and tourism. However, Turkey also values its strategic partnerships and alliances with other countries, including the United States and NATO, which may occasionally create a delicate balancing act between its relations with China and other nations.

It is worth noting that Turkey’s foreign policy towards South Asia and China is subject to ongoing developments and can be influenced by regional and global dynamics. As Turkey continues to navigate its foreign policy priorities, its approach to South Asia and China may evolve based on changing circumstances and national interests.

Turkey’s Influence in Africa

Recognizing the potential for cooperation and seeking to play a more prominent role on the global stage, Turkey has developed a growing ambition to engage with Africa, identifying numerous opportunities for collaboration on the continent.. As a result, Turkey has pursued a deliberate Africa policy since 2005, and over the past decade, its presence on the continent has become increasingly prominent and visible.

Turkey has been involved in several conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. In Libya, Turkey has backed the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) against the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), which is supported by Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt. Turkey’s intervention in the Libyan conflict has played a decisive role in supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA) to regain control over crucial territories in Libya. However, Turkey’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt strained its relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), collectively known as the Quartet.

Overall, Turkey’s foreign policy is characterized by a combination of pragmatism, assertiveness, and a desire to promote its interests and increase its regional influence. However, Turkey faces several challenges in pursuing its foreign policy goals, including tensions with its allies, regional conflicts, and economic and security challenges at home.