Theoretical Approaches to Turkish Foreign Policy

This volume examines how well different theories and frameworks in international relations explain contemporary Turkish foreign policy (TFP), providing an analytical perspective on developments and the shift from Western to Islamist, Turkist, Neo-Ottomanist, and Eurasianist orientations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume, featuring esteemed experts on Turkey, delves into the effectiveness of diverse theories and frameworks in international relations in explaining various aspects of contemporary Turkish foreign policy (TFP). By examining the value of both structural (neorealist) and ideational (constructivist) approaches, the book presents theory-informed case studies on key features of TFP, including Neo-Ottomanism, the role of religion, and Turkey's relations with the European Union, the Middle East, Russia, and the United States. These in-depth analyses offer an analytical perspective on developments that have garnered the attention of both academics and policymakers. Moreover, this collection explores the significant shift in Turkey's foreign policy stance from Western and secular (non-sectarian) to Islamist, Turkist, Neo-Ottomanist, and Eurasianist orientations. Given Turkey's growing importance in various regions and issues, this book serves as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of Middle East Studies, Politics, and International Relations.

Introduction:
The study of Turkish foreign policy (TFP) has gained increasing attention in recent years, as Turkey emerges as a key player in regional and global politics. This volume, with contributions from well-respected experts on Turkey, aims to examine how well different theories and frameworks in international relations explain various aspects of contemporary Turkish foreign policy. By exploring the value of both structural (neorealist) and ideational (constructivist) approaches, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of TFP.

Theoretical Approaches:
The book begins by discussing the theoretical frameworks that have been used to study TFP. Neorealism, which emphasizes the importance of power, security, and economic interests, is one of the most prominent theories in international relations. Neorealism argues that states are primarily motivated by self-interest and that their actions are guided by the pursuit of power and security. Constructivism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of ideas, values, and institutions in shaping states' behavior. Constructivists argue that states are not only influenced by their material interests but also by their cultural and ideological beliefs.

Case Studies:
The book then presents theory-informed case studies on the features of TFP, including Neo-Ottomanism, the role of religion, and Turkey's relations with the European Union, the Middle East, Russia, and the United States. These case studies provide an analytical perspective on developments that have captured the attention of both academics and policymakers. The authors analyze the historical, cultural, and political factors that have influenced Turkey's foreign policy decisions and explore how these decisions have impacted Turkey's relations with its neighbors and the broader international community.

Shift in Foreign Policy Stance:
One of the most significant aspects of the book is its examination of the shift in Turkey's foreign policy stance from Western and secular (non-sectarian) to Islamist, Turkist, Neo-Ottomanist, and Eurasianist orientations. The authors argue that this shift has been driven by a combination of internal and external factors, including Turkey's economic and political challenges, the rise. The authors also explore how this shift has impacted Turkey's relations with its neighbors and the broader international community.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this comprehensive volume provides a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of Middle East Studies, Politics, and International Relations. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of TFP, exploring the value of both structural and ideational approaches. The theory-informed case studies on the features of TFP, including Neo-Ottomanism, the role of religion, and Turkey's relations with the European Union, the Middle East, Russia, and the United States, provide an analytical perspective on developments that have captured the attention of both academics and policymakers. The shift in Turkey's foreign policy stance from Western and secular to Islamist, Turkist, Neo-Ottomanist, and Eurasianist orientations is also examined in depth, offering insights into the complex factors that have shaped Turkey's foreign policy decisions.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032413457