Foreign Policy Institute

Ali L. Karaosmanoğlu
1. Globalization and Its Impact on Turkey's Security
Globalization and Security
Cooperative Security
Power Politics
Turkey's Prospects in a Globalized World
References

Pınar Bilgin
2. Clash of Cultures? Differences Between Turkey and the European Union on Security
Security: the Concept
Security: A Critical Perspective
The evolution of security culture in the European Union
The Evolution of Security Culture in Turkey
Conclusion
References

Mustafa Kibaroğlu
3. Turkey's Threat Perception from the East: A Roadblock in its March Toward the West?
1. Introduction
2. Problems Ahead
3. The Profile Of WMD Capabilities Of Turkey's Middle Eastern Neighbors
4. Turkey's Possible Responses to the WMD Capabilities of Its Middle Eastern Neighbors
5. The 'Missile Shield' and the Reactions of the Key European States
6. Conclusion
References

Hüseyin Bağcı and Ali Yıldız
4. Turkey and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP): From Confrontational to Co-Operative Relationship
Formation of the ESDP and the Emergence of the Problem
Respective Positions of Turkey and the EU
Basis of the Turkish Position
EU's Response to Turkey
Breakthrough and Future Prospects
Conclusion
References

Legal Perspectives

Aslan Gündüz
5. International Terrorism and the Limping International System
Introduction
An Evaluation
References

Yüksel İnan-Yücel Acer
6. The Aegean Disputes
Introduction
I- Sovereignty Disputes
II- Delimitation Disputes in the Aegean Sea
III. Developments concerning the Settlement of the Aegean Disputes
Concluding Remarks
References

Yüksel İnan
7. The Turkish Straits
Why the Turkish Straits?
The Significance of the Turkish Straits and its Regime
The Regime of the Turkish Straits in the Twentieth Century
The Lausanne Peace Treaty and the Straits Convention
The Montreux Straits Convention
Provision Related to the Passage of Merchant Vessels
Passage is Innocent
Innocent Passage and the Rights of the Coastal State
Measures Taken to Improve the Security of Passage and Navigation
Concluding Remarks
References

Regional Issues

Ali Hikmet Alp
8. Balkan Region in Turkey's Security Environment
Introduction
The place of the Balkans in Turkey's strategic environment.
Turkey's place in the Eurasian geo-strategy too should be taken into account.
Constructive strategies during the Turbulent Years
Ending of the divisions of the Cold War years: Opportunities and challenges.
From the 'Powder Keg of Europe' to Cooperation.
Trends for the Future: Change in Europe's Outlook Towards the Balkans
Military support for the stability: Peacekeeping, military interventions and Turkish contribution.
Paradoxes of the present day Balkans: conflict and cooperation.
Roles of the European Union, NATO and the International Organisations.
The "hard" security issues: Threat assessment, comparative military capabilities and arms control.
Conclusions:
References

Meliha Benli Altunışık
9. Redefinition of Turkish Security Policies in the Middle East After the Cold War
The Middle East as a New Source of Threats
Broader Security Concerns
A New Opening: Easing of Tensions
Limitations of New Policy
The Implications for Turkey-E.U. Security Relations
References

Ayhan Kamel
10. Turkish - Russian Relations and Western Dimension
Introduction
New Regime in Russia
Russia versus CIS
Turkish-Russian Relations
Turkish-Soviet Relations
The Relations between Turkey and the Russian Federation
Frictions/Problems/Misunderstandings
Invariables in Turkish-Russian Relations
11 September Terrorist Act: Implications for Asian Politics.
Triangular Relationship between Turkey-Russia-the European Union and the United States
References

Tarık Oğuzlu
11. The EU-Turkey-Cyprus Triangle: The Prospects of Reconciliation?
Introduction
The rationale of a New Approach
Cold War Times and the Turkish Factor
Post-Cold War and the EU
How 'Catalytic' is the EU engagement?
Is A Tightly Centralised Federal Structure Applicable?
The EU membership of a divided Cyprus: Good or Bad?
Is 'A Loosely Centralised Federal-EU Member Cyprus' Possible?
Conclusion
References
Contributors

Foreword

Several months ago we thought it would be quite useful to bring together in a book the thoughts of some of our scholars on the theoretical and legal analyses of Turkish foreign policy and also provide an insight on regional issues facing Turkey.

The timing for such a book was most appropriate as the systemic changes in international environment that have been in progress since the break-down of the Soviet Union and have gained momentum after 9/11, as well as the exigencies of the Turkey's candidate status for membership in the European Union have greatly affected Turkey's domestic and foreign policy parameters and practices in such a way that one may describe this phenomenon as a significant break with the past.

The Second World War and the ensuing Cold War had prevented Turkey from playing the international role its geography and history had ordained. Turkey had, in fact, remained a marginal country in the two bloc power balance system that practically cut her off from its northern neighbours and kept its relations with its South and East, highly restricted and in some cases even hostile. Being a part of Europe and the Western alliance systems were encouraging factors favourably affecting the development of democracy and human rights; but, another requirement was the transformation of the basically agricultural society into modern urban norms while most West European countries had completed this transition period almost a century ago, Turkey had to achieve this within a short period of time.

The reforms of 1980's strengthened market economy and opened it to international competition. In the beginning of 1990's political opening began towards the countries of the former Soviet Union and Israel, as well as the Middle East. Relations with the EU increased to the level of a customs union. Within a decade Turkey became a strong economic actor in a wide region extending from the Balkans to Central Asia. In 1999 it was declared a candidate for membership in the EU. This policy decision by Europe was also based on Turkey's growing harmonious relations with most of its neighbours and the recognition of its centrality in a wide region.

The beginning of the 21st Century saw a rapid and hectic democratization process in Turkey in order to qualify for accession negotiations with the EU. This meant that many taboos that were inseparable part of the social culture had to be broken and democratic institutions began to become truly functional. The democratic society of Turkey could even support a moderate conservative party with Islamic roots in power. In the turmoil that followed the invasion of Iraq and because of the inability of Middle Eastern states to transform their domestic structures and to adopt the liberal model of peaceful international relations, Turkish secular state structure is being presented as model for Islamic countries and Turkey is expected to play a guiding role in the wide region that is now being described as the Greater Middle East.

The significant transformation of Turkey's geo-strategy has increased the value of Turkey as an attractive partner of both Europe and the United States. As a member of the European Union, Turkey's contribution to the welfare, security, democracy and freedom of the peoples of the region may become more significant and enhanced.

We hope that the articles of distinguished Turkish academics contained in this book will be helpful to those who would like to better understand the security and political framework of the relations of Turkey with EU and with its region.

Seyfi Taşhan