CC BY
0ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ
Ravshanov Sukhrobbek G'ayrat o'g'li
NUUZ, Phd student on the specialty "Political theory and philosophy: history and methodology ofpolitical doctrines"
Tel: +998909952903
TURKISH SOFT POWER POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
ПОЛИТИКА МЯГКОЙ СИЛЫ ТУРЦИИ НА БЛИЖНЕМ ВОСТОКЕ
DOI: 10.31618/ESSA.2782-1994.2023.2.94.402 Аннотация. В статье инструменты «мягкой силы» Турции на международной арене, их уникальные характеристики и то, насколько умело они используются, особенно на Ближнем Востоке, четко показано, что религия и культура являются мощным оружием в использовании этих инструментов. С этой точки зрения она показала свою эффективность в бывших колониях Османской империи и в мусульманском мире. Благодаря тому, что она пыталась использовать роль посредника в решении проблем Ближнего Востока и была исламской страной, она предстала перед странами региона страной, способной воплотить в себе демократию и ислам. В то же время оно проявило себя как посредническое государство, взяв на себя инициативу решения проблем, назревавших долгое время. Он также предпринимает несколько важных шагов в этом отношении.
Abstract. In the article, Turkey's "soft power" tools in the international arena are their unique characteristics and how skillfully they are used, especially in the Middle East. It is clearly shown that religion and culture are powerful weapons in the use of these tools. From this point of view, it has shown its effectiveness in the form er colonies of the Ottoman Empire and in the Muslim world. Due to the fact that it tried to use the role of mediation in solving the problems of the Middle East and was an Islamic country, it appeared to the countries of the region as a country that was able to embody democracy and Islam. At the same time, it has shown itself to be an intermediary state by taking the initiative to solve the problems that have been going on for a long time. It also takes several important steps in this regard.
Ключевые слова: «Мягкая сила», Турция, государство-посредник, Партия справедливости и развития, турецкая модель, Ближний Восток, ЕС
Key words: "Soft power", Turkey, intermediary state, Justice and Development Party, Turkish model, Middle East, EU
Introduction
Turkey is traditionally seen as a country in the Middle East that is inclined to use hard power based on its economic and military potential. However, recently some arguments have emerged in favor of Turkey's use of soft power. In this regard, its appeal on the international stage has increased significantly. Turkiye wants to make significant use of soft power in the region. As a result, confidence in him increases. Secondly, the article shows the soft power of Turkey as a third country in solving regional problems. His role was clearly demonstrated in the Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Palestinian, Israeli-Lebanese conflicts. Turkiye is a unique Islamic democratic country. It embodies both the religious factor and the secular factor. In this regard, it can be said that the EU's long-term involvement is ending ineffectively. Maintaining a balance with Western allies and Muslim countries in the Middle East and maintaining good relations with them is quite difficult.
Literature review and background
As for Turkey, its effective use of soft power tools shows that it masterfully uses this power in the interests of the Muslim world and other countries and achieves great success. Among them are Turkish scientists such as Meliha Benli Altunishik, Tahsin Nizar, Ahmed Chinar, Levent Ozan, Elzbeta Sishlak, Vodka, Ozturk A.E., Cevik S.B., Akylly E., Chelenk B.
DISCUSSION AND RESULTS This article analyzes Turkiye as a soft power in the Middle East. Basically, two aspects are important. Firstly, it is important for Turkey to participate in economic and political reforms in the Middle East, and secondly, it is important for Turkey to use non-military means in relations with countries in the region and play the role of a mediator in resolving the problems of the region. These two aspects examine Turkey's capabilities and limitations regarding the use of soft power. To some extent, Turkey is connected with the issue of modernization of the Islamic world and the Middle East. In the early years, the Turkish model became very popular in the Middle East. Unlike other countries in the region, the country was created without the desire to accept the final decision made by the victorious countries of the First World War. Turkey's War of Independence was closely followed by nationalists in various parts of the Arab world. They formed their plans for independence. As a result of the post-independence reforms, large-scale reforms were initiated. His commitment to modernization was a major source of inspiration for Iran, Tunisia and Afghanistan. Despite the high interest of many countries in Turkey, changes that occurred after World War II imposed a number of restrictions on Turkey. became a member of NATO. The movement towards the Western Bloc intensified. The countries of the
Middle East did not have membership in such structures. Because of this, a feeling of fear towards Turkey arose. The emergence of Arab nationalism led to Turkey becoming a puppet state of the Western world, preserving the negative historical legacy of the Ottoman Empire in several regions of the Arab world. Turkey's recognition of the newly formed state of Israel in 1949 led to a severance of relations with the Arab world. In general, countries in the region were suspicious of Turkey during the Cold War. This created a chill between them. Turkey's external and security elites did not want to interfere in the problems of the Middle East region due to unrest and mutual intolerance. Rising oil prices in the 1970s led Turkey to strive to improve relations with countries in the region. It was mainly limited to economic ties. In the changes of subsequent years, Turkey began to see change as a way to solve problems in this area. The decline of Arab nationalism, coupled with a deep economic crisis, opened its doors to Turkey. In addition, changes in Turkey itself, economic and political modernization, improved relations with the EU and the development of the political Islamic movement in Turkey continued to cause various controversies in the Middle East. However, Turkey's appeal to use soft power has been strong in the Arab world[1].
It is worth noting that Turkey had soft power and could be exported. That is, fairly stable economic and political reforms, the formation of the Bulet Ecevet coalition and the achievement of political stability created ideal conditions for the use of "soft power" in the region. In October 2001, Turkey introduced several reforms, such as reducing the number of detentions and easing restrictions on human rights. Restrictions on Kurdish language broadcasters have been lifted. He increased representation at the National Security Consulate. Parliament adopted the Civil Code. It came into force in January 2002. This is aimed at ensuring the independence of the assembly. The changes also affected issues of gender inequality.
In February 2002, another important package of reforms was introduced. It mainly consisted of criminal and anti-terrorism laws. In August 2003, the death penalty was abolished and the use of languages other than Turkish was legalized. Once in power, the Justice and Development Party skillfully used its majority in parliament to accelerate economic reforms. Later, the Harmonization Package included constitutional amendments, freedom of speech, freedom of expression and new measures aimed at preventing torture. The arrival of the AKP was of particular importance for the Turkish model. He was able to show that he had the ability to create an Islamic movement in Turkey and unite democracy and Islam. Representatives of the old elite did not approve of noninterference in the problems of the Middle East and Turkey as a "model". Changes have been made to the organizational structure of the National Security Consulate. That is, the balance between military and civilians has changed. Now it is run by citizens. At the same time, the executive powers of National Security and the Consulate itself were reduced. This allowed
Turkey to make an important decision in 2004 to begin negotiations on membership in the European Union.
Turkey's reform policies continued with the Arab world in parallel with negotiations with the EU. The reformer, who is adept at serving the Arab world in crisis, has stepped up his interest in Turkey. The party has become the main standard-bearer for promoting the possibility of soft power in Turkey. However, the main issue was the role of Islamic parties. They were part of the 1970 electoral system. The Islamic movement was represented in the Turkish parliament under different names. Despite the fact that he committed several anti-government actions. Over time this was banned. The AKP has become a kind of Islamized ruling party. The issue of joining the EU was strongly approved. The growth of Islamic radicalism and Turkey's experience in combating it have aroused interest in countries around the world.
It has become a unique state combining democracy and Islam. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was the Prime Minister at that time, and Abdullah Gul, the President, were widely approved all over the world. For example, we can take Erdogan's speech at Harvard University. "I do not agree with the view that Islamic culture and democracy are incompatible. A politician values religious belief in his personal sphere. But he sees politics as dominant, which is outside of religion. I believe it is a serious mistake to think that they are incompatible."[2]
Speech by former Foreign Minister Gul at the Organization of Islamic Countries in May 2003 and meeting at the World Economic Forum on improving integration with the rest of the world, respect for human rights, transparency, accountability and an emphasis on good governance. [3] The EU believed that Turkey's efforts, its demand for a mediating role in the Arab world and the promotion of Islam would lead to the transformation of countries in the region. Abdullah Gul spoke about this during his reign. Turkey's admission to the EU means Europe will become fully mature. This means that the main Muslim country, in addition to a common religion, will enter into cooperation. It is clear to the world that civilizations are concentrated in one place not from the point of view of religion, but from the point of view of democratic values. Turkey's message of integration, moderation and reform will help spread EU membership to the wider international community[4].
The AKP's rise to power and the Turkish experience are relevant for two factions in the Middle East. First, as for moderate Islamic groups, they have learned to play by the rules of the game, drawing the necessary conclusions from the Algerian experience.[5] They began to influence the government through legal means. The second group are groups in the Arab world that closely followed the AKP experience. These were reformist, liberal and secular Islamic groups. In this regard, Islam also served as an important tool of soft power. In recent years, Turkiye has diversified its relations with countries in the region. It positioned itself as an arbiter and mediator state in resolving mutual problems. At the beginning, new vectors for
solving the Arab-Israeli problem were emphasized. After the crisis in Syria in 1998, relations with him improved. Especially in 2000, after the Syrian-Israeli negotiations ended inconclusively, US-Syrian relations deteriorated. During this time, Turkey tried to resume negotiations between Israel and Syria. The exchange of information between the two sides was carried out by Erdogan, who was prime minister at that time.
In 2008, after several unsuccessful attempts, the two countries began direct negotiations in Istanbul under the auspices of Turkey. These efforts were considered sustainable and successful. Almost eight years later, this was an important step towards reconciliation between the two sides. He also tried to solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem in various ways. At first, he mainly focused on the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. After 2002, TIKA expanded the scope of its activities. It strengthened its influence in the territories of the former Ottoman colonies, and in these territories it began to support projects approved in Europe and the Middle East that were compatible with Turkish foreign policy.[6] Projects in these areas have proven to be very effective. Believing in this, he set great goals for the Middle East. Among these efforts, the TOBB-BIS industry was introduced to the Peace Initiative, and the Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry stood before this leader. As part of the initiative, a forum was held in Ankara. Representatives of the chambers of commerce of Israel, Turkey and Palestine took part in it. This was an important step in strengthening mutual trust and improving the private sector. So far, about ten meetings have been held. One of the important initiatives proposed at the forum was the creation of the Eriz Industrial Zone. This was especially useful for rebuilding the Palestinian economy. More than 7 thousand jobs were created. This project is beneficial to all parties, and while it has secured Israel's borders, it has brought great benefits to Turkish companies. However, the process of its implementation was very slow. The reason for this was the deterioration of the security system in these territories, as well as problems with signing a security agreement with Israel. After Hamas took over the Gaza Strip, the project was moved to Tarkuma in the West Bank. In addition, energy and water transmission projects are being discussed. The initiator of these projects is Turkey, which has shown that it is a mediating country in ensuring stable peace in the region.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we can say that Turkey's influence in solving problems in the Middle East has increased. His role has been recognized by various outside actors. However, Turkey needs to carefully assess its capabilities and the extent of its involvement in the problems. There is a risk that the boss will be caught between his capabilities and his goals. Advantages and disadvantages must be considered. However, given its military and economic potential, Turkey's ability as a soft power has been widely recognized by countries in the region.
Of particular note are his connections and growing appeal to problem players in the region. [7] However, there are a number of restrictions on the implementation of this tool in Turkey. A clear example of this is that his failure to solve his own problems during the crisis increased his distrust in the eyes of countries in the region. Radicalization in the region and the polarization of regional politics have damaged relations between Turkey's Western allies and its friends in the Middle East. To some extent, this created obstacles to his soft power policies.
REFERENCES
1.Meliha Benli Altuni§ik, "The Turkish Model and Democratization in the Middle East," Arab Studies Quarterly, Vol. 27, No.s. 1 and 2 (Winter and Spring 2005), pp. 45-63.
2. Address by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, "Democracy in the Middle East, Pluralism in Europe: the Turkish View," Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, 30 January 2003.
3. Abdullah Gul, "Turkey's Role in a Changing Middle East Environment," Mediterranean Quarterly, (Winter 2004) p.2.
4. Gul, "Turkey's Role in a Changing Middle East Environment," p.2
5. For instance, the Justice and Development Party in Morocco, al Wasat in Egypt, the MSP in Algeria, and the Islamic Action Front in Jordan.
6. Akilli, E., Qelenk, B. (2019). TIKA's Soft Power: Nation Branding in Turkish Foreign Policy. Insight Turkey, 21(3), 135— 152.
7. An interesting line of inquiry could be to look at the interplay between Turkey's hard and soft power in the region, which is beyond the scope of this article.
