Turkey´s Changing Middle East Policy

Abstract

This article aims to discuss recent developments in Turkey’s Middle East policy. After a brief historical background of Turkey’s relations with the region, it focuses on understanding the change in terms of both the level and nature of involvement in the region. Within that context, the article looks at systemic/structural as well as ideational and domestic politics explanations. Then the current policy is discussed through its three elements: improvement of relations with neighbors, characterized as “zero problems with neighbors policy”; eagerness to play third party roles in regional conflicts; attempts to increase economic interdependence with the region. Through the discussion of these cases the article attempts to discuss the possibilities and limitations of Turkey’s new engagement.