Game changer: Turkey's assertive new global role

Global politics is just like high school; you have your various cliques that are composed of nations that are either popular or unpopular.

Of course the “industrialized” clique, which is predominately western nations, is the popular in-crowd while nations who aren’t so rich and not so western are near the bottom of the bucket.

Most nations want to get into the rich popular group, but history has shown it can be difficult. But in an age where dialogue between developing and developed states is increasingly important, the nation of Turkey has turned the tables on the international hierarchy system by being part of both of these groups.

For much of the past half century, Turkey, as a member of NATO has been somewhat of a tagalong. Europeans weren’t that favorable of their close neighbor, but the United States really appreciated Turkey’s participation in the organization.

The U.S. used Turkey to place strategic weapons during the Cold War and because of that, the U.S. viewed Turkey as an unwavering ally. But popularity with the United States doesn’t necessarily mean popularity in Europe. Since 1987, it has been in the process of joining the European Union, but regulatory bumps and continued European hesitation continue to stall advancement.

It would seem that Turkey for much of the recent past has been an annoying little brother to its powerful western siblings.

Turkey is becoming an important figure once again in the Middle East.

Not since the Ottoman Empire, has Turkish foreign relations had so much of a clout in the hearts and minds of Middle Easterners. During the Davos World Economic Forum, Turkey’s Prime Minister criticized Israel’s policy toward the occupied territories of Palestine. Recip Tayip Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister, received not only a warm reception from home, but also much of the Muslim world.

Because of this, Turkey is now in an interesting position. With relationships in both the East and the West, Turkey has become the centerpiece for many relations between the Middle East and Western states.

Turkey’s new role in international affairs can be reflected by the current popular leader Erdogan and the most famous past leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

While Ataturk changed much of Turkey to reflect Western values and systems, Erdogan has appealed more to the Muslim world. Because of this, Turkey is both literally and figuratively the bridge between West and East.

Its influence in both realms has given the state leverage involving many
policy areas. Turkey is a key player in the development of Iraq and the Israel-
Palestinian talks.

This new local prominent role combined with its booming economy has launched the nation onto the international stage. Recently Turkey has chimed in on many international issues including the sanctions for Iran’s nuclear program becoming a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council.

Overall, the implication for increased Turkish prominence in the international community means that Turkish policies will effect international affairs and politics.

The outcome for major political issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, the future of the Israel/Palestinian conflict, and the role of the European Union could be drastically affected by the inner policies of Turkey. Therefore, be prepared in the future to see a more prominent Turkey taking on an increasingly prominent role.