Türkiye's Foreign Policy (Book)

Oral Sander’s work titled “Türkiye’s Foreign Policy” examines the foreign policy approaches adopted by the Republic of Türkiye since its founding from a comprehensive perspective. The book provides a detailed analysis of Türkiye’s geopolitical position, its place in the international system, and its efforts to adapt to changing global balances. Sander evaluates Türkiye’s foreign policy not only through historical events but also through the underlying motivations behind them, offering a comprehensive analysis within the framework of the state’s domestic dynamics and international relations theory.

Türkiye’s Foreign Policy

Content of the Book

Early Years of the Republic

The work emphasizes the critical importance of the early years of the Republic in shaping Türkiye’s foreign policy. Following the Treaty of Lausanne, Türkiye’s integration into the international system began with a peace-oriented foreign policy strategy. Sander notes that the primary objective of foreign policy during this period was the preservation of borders and the consolidation of national sovereignty. Particularly, Türkiye’s policies aimed at balancing relations with West are highlighted as defining features of this era.

World War II and Multilateral Diplomacy

The book dedicates extensive attention to Türkiye’s policy of neutrality during World War II. Sander analyzes Türkiye’s efforts to safeguard its security by pursuing a cautious policy during the conflict. Furthermore, the transition to multilateral diplomacy in the postwar period is examined in detail, including Türkiye’s membership in NATO and its steps toward becoming part of the Western alliance. During this process, the historical and theoretical reasons for Türkiye’s alignment with the Western bloc in response to threats from the Soviet Union are thoroughly investigated.

The Cyprus Issue and the Cold War Era

In Sander’s work, the Cyprus issue is treated as a pivotal turning point in Türkiye’s foreign policy. From the 1960s onward, Türkiye’s policies regarding Cyprus and the international community’s responses to them are analyzed in detail. Additionally, Türkiye’s relations with both the Western and East blocs during the Cold War are assessed within the context of the international power balances of the period. Türkiye’s strategic importance and regional policies during this time are presented as another major thematic focus of the book.

Foreign Policy Changes After 1980

The book comprehensively addresses the transformations in Türkiye’s foreign policy from the 1980s onward. In particular, the period of Turgut Özal is marked by the adoption of an economically oriented approach to foreign policy. During this time, Türkiye’s efforts to develop relations with Middle East and the strategies implemented within this framework are elaborated. Moreover, Türkiye’s relations with the Central Asia Turkish Republics following the collapse of the Soviet Union and its initiatives toward Europe Union membership are discussed as key developments of the era.

Thematic Depth of the Work

Oral Sander, in his work “Türkiye’s Foreign Policy,” examines Türkiye’s foreign policy through its historical, economic, and strategic dimensions. The book explains the fundamental dynamics shaping Türkiye’s foreign policy by integrating domestic state dynamics with theories of international relations, offering the reader a balanced and analytic perspective. Sander provides a detailed account of Türkiye’s position in the international arena and its decision-making processes, drawing on both historical data and analytical frameworks.