Publications

In recent years Turkey has attempted to establish its foreign policy according to the doctrine of strategic depth suggested by Ahmet Davutoglu, former chief advisor to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on foreign policy and today Turkey’s foreign minister. This policy emphasizes that the importance of a nation in the international system is measured by its geo-strategic location and by its historical depth. Davutoglu claims that from this vantage Turkey’s situation is unique because of its geographical location in a region connecting two continents and because of its historical links with the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The doctrine reflects a neo-Ottoman trend, as well as Turkey’s desire to increase its soft power and influence in the international arena; its practical significance lies in the growing number of mediation initiatives Turkey has promoted around the world, particularly with regard to regional conflicts. Turkey’s policy towards its neighbors has been termed “zero problems,” as the objective was to try to invest great efforts in order to prevent possible crises along its borders.