RISE AND FALL OF TURKISH MODEL IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS |
| Assis.
Prof. Dr. Ędris BAL |
The term "Turkish Model" is used to refer to the model of development and government in Turkey whose characteristics are secularism in a Muslim society, a market economy, closeness and co-operation with the West, and a multiparty system. The West, including the US, supported and promoted the Turkish Model to the Turkish Republics. Turkeys cultural and historical ties with the region, secular and multiparty system characters of Turkish model and Turkey's success in economic transformation encouraged the West to support the Turkish Model. However, limits of Iranian influence in the region, Russian "nearabroad" policy, problems within Turkey such as Kurdish separatism and above all, the fact that Turkish model had played its part in the game, encouraged the West to reconsider its initial assumptions and then the West declined its support to the Turkish model. Turkey was not ready for the new situation. However, when the USSR disintegrated in 1991, the Turkish side welcomed its end and the creation of the Turkish Republics. Cultural and historical ties with the region and Turkish position in international relations strongly affected this reaction. Western promotion of the Turkish Model provided Turkey with new instruments; it meant a ratification of Turkey's strategic position in the region after the Cold War, enabling Turkey to claim that it was still important for the West and World politics. The initial reactions of the Turkish Republics to the Turkish Model were strongly affected by the cultural environment of these Republics and they reacted positively to the Turkish Model. However, after the initial emotional welcome for Turkey and the Turkish Model, the Turkish Republics then became more realistic and skeptical, and although they have not abandoned the Turkish Model, their interest in the Turkish Model declined. |
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