Suits and Uniforms Turkish Foreign Policy Since the Cold War

The changes in the international system beginning in the year 1989 have had a profound effect on Turkey, which moved from being a secondary player in a global conflict to a central player in a range of new regional conflicts. Whether in the Balkans, the Transcaucasus, Central Asia or the Middle East, Turkey has emerged as an actor of pivotal importance, not least to the West. This book examines the origins, political make-up, and direction of Turkish foreign policy during this period of flux.Robins contends that since 1989 domestic factors -- history, security, ideology, and political economy -- have determined foreign policy. In four case studies -- the Bosnian conflict, ties with Israel, Ankara's involvement with northern Iraq, and relations with the Turkic republics of Central Asia -- the foreign policy implications are traced in detail. Robins also analyzes the heightened importance of Turkey as a secular Muslim state and NATO ally in the wake of September 11.