Identity, Power, and Diplomacy: Türkiye Between Domestic Politics and Global Projection

This thesis explores how Turkish domestic and foreign policy has evolved, focusing on the shift from Kemalist principles to the political landscape shaped by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP). It looks at the historical roots of the Turkish Republic and the lasting influence of Kemalism, guided by its "Six Arrows": republicanism, nationalism, populism, statism, secularism, and reformism. The study also examines Türkiye's transition from a single-party system to a multiparty democracy and the eventual rise of political Islam. A key part of the research is dedicated to Erdoğan's political rise, which reshaped Türkiye’s domestic landscape through constitutional reforms and the introduction of a presidential system. The failed coup attempt of 2016 and its aftermath further centralized power and personalized governance. The thesis then shifts to Türkiye's foreign policy, examining its geopolitical ambitions in regions like the Middle East, the Caucasus, Africa, and Europe. Special attention is given to Türkiye's involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its use of cultural and identity ties to strengthen alliances with Turkic nations. The analysis also looks at the Turkish-Qatari partnership and its role in Ankara's rivalry with Gulf States. The study also highlights Türkiye’s use of soft power, focusing on the role of institutions like the Diyanet, TIKA, and the Yunus Emre Institute in shaping its international image and maintaining strong connections with the Turkish diaspora in Europe, particularly in Germany and France. Additionally, the research reviews Türkiye’s growing presence in Africa, especially in Somalia, through the "Ankara Consensus"—a strategy that combines humanitarian aid, military support, and economic development. This model presents an alternative to Western and Chinese approaches by emphasizing mutual growth and national sovereignty. The findings show that Türkiye’s internal political changes have a significant impact on its foreign policy. By blending ideological narratives, soft power, and economic strategies, Türkiye pursues its regional and global ambitions. Ultimately, the thesis highlights how Türkiye’s evolving national identity and governance style continue to shape its role in an increasingly multipolar world.