Henri J. Barkey
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A Discussion on Turkey’s Foreign Policy
The Turkish regime has initiated an aggressive foreign policy in the Middle East. However, Turkey’s willingness to engage with all regional actors, including Iran and Syria, does not necessarily mean it is turning away from its preexisting Western alliances.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations

Turkey’s engagement with the Iranian and Syrian regimes is anathema to the West, particularly the United States. Nonetheless, Barkey argues “Turkey is not moving away from the West. Its membership in NATO and EU candidacy will ensure that.” As Turkey continues to balance its assertive, inclusive foreign policy with its efforts to maintain preexisting Western alliances, Barkey explained, it will play an increasingly important role in the Middle East.
About the Author
Former Visiting Scholar, Middle East Program
Barkey served as a member of the U.S. State Department Policy Planning Staff, working primarily on issues related to the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and intelligence from 1998 to 2000.
- Winners and Losers in Turkey’s ElectionArticle
- The Road to Turkey’s June Elections: Crises, Strategies, and OutcomesArticle
Henri J. Barkey
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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