DOSSIER SPRING 2010
DOSSIER IN BRIEF: The dictionary of Turkish foreign policy contains entries such as proactive foreign policy, rhythmic diplomacy, acting on a larger scale, multidimensional strategy, a policy of zero problems with neighbors, a pivotal country role, creating order and a Turkish vision. This vision foresees a strong economy, a political approach free of tension and quarrels and a worldview in harmony with its culture and history. This vision brought a new style to diplomacy that can be summarized as locating the problems, taking care in settling disputes, establishment of dialogue with the relevant parties, avoidance of thorny issues and an emphasis on the mutually agreed issues.
response to Israeli President Simon Peres in Davos was welcomed not only in Turkey, but throughout the entire world. This historic incident, now famously known as the "One Minute" showdown, proved that Turkey can be a country that can "speak Turkish in its foreign policy" and state its terms if necessary [The author uses the term "speaking Turkish" in its meaning used mainly by Israeli analysts. Turkey's strong language against Syria back in 1998 convinced Syria to expell the terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan from its soil where he found safe haven till then and many Israeli analysts suggested that Israel should "speak Turkish" to Syria also. (Editor)]. Each move in the field of diplomacy was welcomed by the public in this age of communication and consolidated the ties between the state and the nation. In this way, the young people who constitute a center of power in Anatolia transformed their inherent potential into kinetic energy rather than wasting their strength engaging in political disputes. They spent their time carrying out producTurkey is now cited as a country creating order tion, research and integration with the in its region thanks to its rapprochement with world in an effort to go beyond the limthe near abroad, the policy by which it settles its its of the Misak-ý Milli (National Pact) objectives [Misak-ý Milli is the name of disputes with neighboring countries and maina set of six important decisions made by tains cooperation with its historic rivals. the last term of the Ottoman Parliament. These decisions served as both the legitimacy base and the framework of the War ruptive crises, created an environment where historical of Independence and of the foreign policy decisions in and cultural values are shared with the globalized the following republican era. (Editor)]. world. The AK Party contended that political and ecoOpportunities for cooperation in near abroad nomic stability are the foundations of strength and As a matter of fact, the AK Party administration influence in foreign policy. It successfully dropped polibased its policies on these grounds. The government's cies that might have led to social polarization and secupolicy, focusing on making sure that no problems with rity problems. It remained sensitive to the needs and neighboring countries exist, also known as the "zero demands of the people and stayed away from the traps problems with neighbors policy," broadened Turkey's and plots of politicians who sought to pursue disruptive horizon and vision. This policy, applicable to a vast area policies which relied on society's fault lines. Its focus on inclusive of five seas (the Caspian, Black Sea, resolving the fundamental problems of the Anatolian Mediterranean, Red Sea and Persian Gulf) and five people was rewarded in the election polls. rivers (the Amu, Danube, Nile, Euphrates and Tigris), Reinstitution of former state of affairs unlikely has transformed into intergovernmental strategic coopFrom this perspective, it is actually not surprising to eration meetings. Crucial decisions were made and key witness that the AK Party, which senses the continuous terms were agreed upon in the joint ministerial meetsupport of the nation, has pursued such "radical" and ings held between Turkish and Syrian as well as "fundamental" policies and strategies in domestic and Turkish and Iraqi delegations to ensure economic staforeign affairs. The people trusted their state whereas bility and further development in the region. the latter confirmed through the policies it implementFor instance, the construction of highways and railed that its strength was due to the overwhelming supways was accelerated to remove the issue of geographic port of the nation. Prime Minister Erdoðan's public
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan and then-Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül sign the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe in Rome on Oct. 29, 2004
on the resolution of problems and the settlement of disputes. Despite occasional criticism, it became apparent that said notions were not idle and that they bear the signs of a civilization's identity. It is evident that Turkey's recent foreign policy was drafted in line with certain principles and foundations from Davutoðlu's seminal book, "Strategic Depth," published in 2001, as well as his article "Self-perception of civilizations," which appeared in the academic journal Divan in 1997. So, what are these foundations? Turkey-centered strategic vision It is certain that the foundation of the foreign policy strategy pursued by the AK Party government since 2002 refers to a vision of Turkey's role in world politics. The components of this vision include a strong economy, a political approach free of tension and quarrels and a worldview in harmony with its culture and history. This constructive policy approach led to a stable economy, and the economic system, resistant to dis-
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Rhythmic diplomacy Turkey's engagement with its near abroad has inevitably required active diplomacy. Undoubtedly, the visible change and transformation in the international system influenced this strategy, which could be summarized as a multidimensional foreign policy style. Instead of being a bystander, Turkey tried to become involved in complicated world affairs and take part in the relevant processes. In other words, it apparently dropped the classical approach of the Turkish foreign policy establishment during the Cold War era, which used to determine its position depending on the attitudes of the major powers. Turkish foreign policy makers replaced the diplomatic approach focusing on the emergence of crisis with a vision stating that it is possible to act together without competing against each other. The intention to prevent a crisis even before its breakout inevitably led to the development of a dynamic and "rhythmic" foreign policy. Utmost attention was paid to make sure that the diplomatic initiatives extended to the near and far abroad were synchronized and designed in a way that they would not overlap each other. Turkey's sincere attempts have led to the impression around the world that Turkey has something to say whenever an important development takes place in the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Central Asia and Europe. Country creating order in its region Turkey is now cited as a country creating order in its
barriers, and legislation was introduced to facilitate visa procedures in an attempt to improve commercial ties and ensure that people can travel freely and are able to participate in cultural exchange. In so doing, those who drafted this foreign policy sought to minimize the distance between Van and Tabriz, Erzurum and Baku, Artvin and Batumi, Diyarbakýr and Arbil, Mardin and Mosul, Urfa and Aleppo and Gaziantep and Kirkuk. Interstate ties were further reinforced by moves to initiate relations between communities. A policy of rapprochement with Armenia was introduced to remove the artificial barriers between Turkey and Armenia. The government also took action to create consultation mechanisms between countries neighboring Turkey to minimize the risk of any potential conflict in the region. The summits of countries neighboring Iraq held under the auspices of the Turkish foreign policy establishment prevented the partition of Iraq, which was invaded by the US in 2003. Turkey also served as a mediator to settle disputes between Israel and Syria and acted responsibly to help Lebanon attain political stability and prevent another civil war in the country. Turkish diplomats further pursued a fairly active diplomatic style during the war between Russia and Georgia in 2008 to ensure that this local conflict did not transform into regional warfare. In an attempt to prevent another war in the Balkans, a tripartite mechanism was established with the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. 107