A Discussion on Turkey’s Foreign Policy

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Testimony

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.

By Henri J. Barkey

Published on Mar 30, 2010

Source: Council on Foreign Relations

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey has initiated an aggressive and ambitious foreign policy in the Middle East. Henri Barkey notes, “The AK party has long felt that Turkey has been punching below its weight in region. They see Turkey has a central power in the region that can handle many problems.”

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

Henri J. Barkey

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.

Recent Work

Article
Winners and Losers in Turkey’s Election
- Henri J. Barkey
Article
The Road to Turkey’s June Elections: Crises, Strategies, and Outcomes
- Henri J. Barkey

Political Reform Middle East Türkiye

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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