Turkish Foreign Policy: Forces of Continuity and of Change

Abstract

Its Western orientation is one fundamental aspect of Turkey’s foreign policy which has remained unchanged through the sixty-year history of the Republic. This orientation has not been an ephemeral facet with the limited aim of countering an imminent threat to its security but an astonishingly continuous choice of policy. During the first two decades of the Republic, Turkey was jealous of its independence and sovereignty and careful to maintain a neutral policy vis-a-vis the great powers — a distinguishing characteristic of newly-born states. But even during this period, Turkey quickly became a member of the European community of nations both politically and economically. This orientation was continued and reinforced after World War II and Turkey soon became a “staunch” ally of the Western powers.