Turkish Foreign Policy: The general dynamics that characterized the twenty years of the AKP and its relationship with the United States

Abstract This thesis explores the evolution of Turkish foreign policy (TFP) under the Justice and Development Party, with a specific emphasis on its bilateral relations with the United States. It examines the historical and structural factors that have shaped TFP, analyzing its trajectory from the Ottoman period to the establishment of the Turkish Republic and its subsequent alignment with Western powers. It explores how historical legacies, domestic political shifts, and international dynamics have influenced Turkey’s foreign policy approach, transforming from a pro-Western orientation to a more assertive and independent posture. By analyzing the underlying factors that have shaped this transformation, the research sheds light on the complexities of Turkey-U.S. relations and the broader implications for Turkey’s role on the global stage. This study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the continuity and change in Turkish foreign policy, offering insights into its evolving geopolitical strategies.