This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
With the proclamation of the Republic, Türkiye’s position in the international system and its foreign policy orientation underwent a fundamental transformation. The expansionist and empire-centered diplomacy that the Ottoman Empire had pursued for centuries gave way to a new national foreign policy based on defined borders and sovereignty. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the architect of this transformation, is recognized not only as a soldier and leader but also as the founder of the fundamental principles guiding Türkiye’s foreign relations. On one hand, a policy was designed to align with the realities of a war-weary society; on the other, the goal was to adapt to the requirements of the modern international order. In this context, Atatürk-era foreign policy was shaped within a multidimensional framework of principles including nationalism, independence, pacifism, realism, active diplomacy, and modernization.
The cornerstone of Atatürk-era foreign policy is the principle of nationalism. This principle was applied in different ways during the War of Independence and after the establishment of the Republic. During the National Struggle, nationalism took shape within the framework of the “Nation-State” concept; after the proclamation of the Republic, a foreign policy approach prioritizing Türkiye’s national interests was adopted.
According to Atatürk, foreign policy must prioritize the interests of the nation. In this context, borders were determined based on the Misak-ı Milli, with the aim of ensuring the Turkish nation lived under its own sovereignty. Atatürk emphasized that international relations must be conducted on the basis of interests rather than friendship, stating, “In the politics of nations, only interests exist.” However, this understanding of nationalism did not include any expansionist or racist tendencies. Atatürk asserted that peaceful coexistence with other nations was possible and that nationalism must not conflict with human values.
The concept of national policy denotes a realistic and pragmatic foreign policy strategy. This approach advocates remaining within national borders, avoiding foreign interference, and refraining from excessive demands. As Atatürk put it: “The nation must not be led to ruin in pursuit of excessive goals.” This approach not only defined the boundaries of foreign policy but also reflected a state concept grounded in confidence in its own strength.
Yurtta Sulh Cihanda Sulh(Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye)
The second fundamental principle of Atatürk-era foreign policy is complete independence. Independence was viewed holistically, encompassing political, economic, military, cultural, and legal dimensions. Atatürk linked independence with the “honor and dignity of the nation” and consistently emphasized this principle both during the War of Independence and in the founding years of the Republic.
During this period, a clear stance was taken against foreign intervention; Türkiye sought to assert itself as a state capable of making its own decisions on international issues and possessing equal status. The Treaty of Lausanne marked a pivotal turning point in this regard, as capitulations inherited from the Ottoman era were abolished and Türkiye’s sovereignty rights were strengthened.
According to Atatürk, a nation cannot sustain its cultural and political existence without independence. He underscored the importance of this principle by stating, “A nation deprived of independence can do no more than serve as a servant before civilized humanity.” In this framework, the principle of independence represents not merely one aspect of foreign policy but a paradigm shaping the entire functioning of the state.
The third fundamental pillar of Atatürk’s foreign policy is the principles of peacefulness and realism. In line with the principle of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World,” the Republic of Türkiye did not adopt an aggressive or adventurist stance in foreign policy. War was considered only as a last resort; diplomatic means were prioritized to establish peace.
Even in addressing post-Lausanne international issues, peaceful solutions were sought. Border disputes such as the Mosul question and the Hatay issue were resolved through international law and diplomacy rather than military means. The principle of peacefulness was not only a matter of Türkiye’s security but also a policy choice aimed at achieving regional and global stability.
Realism is directly linked to the feasibility of foreign policy. As a leader who understood the limits of power, Atatürk stressed the need to avoid exaggerated and unattainable goals. In this context, expansionist ideologies such as Pan-Turkism and Pan-Islamism were rejected, and the boundaries defined by the Misak-ı Milli were upheld as the basis of policy.
Another key pillar of Atatürk-era foreign policy is active diplomacy and the goal of modernization. The Republic of Türkiye did not limit itself to a passive role in international relations; instead, it actively participated in regional cooperation and alliances. Agreements such as the 1934 Balkan Pact and the 1937 Saadabad Pact were regarded as integral components of Türkiye’s regional security strategy. The active diplomatic efforts preceding the Montreux Convention on the Straits were also a result of this approach.
At the same time, Türkiye’s foreign policy orientation developed along the axis of Westernization. Atatürk equated modernization with Westernization and emphasized that this process must be pursued not only in domestic policy but also in foreign relations. In this context, Türkiye sought to establish harmonious relations with Western countries while maintaining distance from imperialist tendencies and adhering to modernization principles. According to Atatürk, civilization is one, and modern states must act along this line.
The understanding of Westernization was linked not only to geographical proximity to Europe but also to cultural and institutional affinity. Atatürk’s perspective on modernization encompassed not only technical advancements but also legal and social transformations. Foreign policy was conducted in accordance with this understanding; Türkiye strove to become an equal and independent actor within the modern international system.
Atatürk-era Turkish foreign policy exhibited a development closely tied to the internal dynamics of the Republic’s founding process. This policy was fundamentally based on national sovereignty, complete independence, peacefulness, and realism. Shaped with consideration of the conditions of the era, this approach aimed to position Türkiye as a respected and balanced actor in the international system. A diplomatic understanding was adopted that avoided adventurism yet remained actively engaged when necessary. Atatürk’s foreign policy principles were determined in accordance with the regional and global conjuncture of the time; the structure formed through alliance policies, balance-seeking, and peaceful solutions laid the foundation for the institutionalization of Türkiye’s foreign relations.
Understanding of Independence and National Sovereignty
Peaceful and Realistic Approach
Active Diplomacy and Westernization Goal