Obama and Turkish Foreign Policy (TURKEY)

Newly elected US President Barack Obama may have a structural impact upon Turkish foreign policy if, as he promised in his campaign, he promotes a multilateral world, complying with international law and relying on negotiations and peaceful means rather than coercion in resolving global problems.

This impact may go beyond isolated issues, including Cyprus, Armenian genocide claims and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorism, and be rather determinative and comprehensive. Obama’s presidency may resolve the dilemma that Turkish foreign policy has had to deal with since the 1980s with respect to its Westernization policy. This may further help Turkey expand the boundaries of its foreign policy and create fertile ground for Turkish foreign policy makers where foreign policy decisions will be made smoothly.

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