Introduction

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in Turkey, especially in terms of its modern history, which has demonstrated that a democracy is possible in a social setting where the population is dominantly Muslim. Turkey’s “geopolitical pivot” and regional power role in world politics have become even more important. Accordingly, Turkey has been expected to initiate a proactive, multidimensional, and constructive foreign policy in many areas to help promote regional and global peace and stability. It has become one of the more dynamic economies and emerging markets, as well as a new “energy hub” in the region. Moreover, the global interest has stemmed not only from the geopolitical identity of Turkey, as a strong state with the capacity to function as a “geopolitical security hinge” at the intersection of the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Caucasian regions, but also from its cultural identity, its secular modernity, and its movement toward democratization. Furthermore, with all of these capacities, Turkey has also been perceived as a reference point for the analysis of change and transformation occurring in its region. To talk about Turkey is to talk about regional and global affairs.