The Development of Turkey’s Foreign Policy and the Relations with Southeast Asia Region from 1923 to 2017

Abstract

Relations between Turkey and the Southeast Asia region had not been much deeply researched or mentioned because of the geopolitical distance, resulting in a seemingly distant relations. However, the trend has shifted with an increasing interest and more studies on these two regions, covering both historical and relationship dimensions. Evidences show historical relations between the Ottoman and many countries in Southeast Asia since the formation period of Republic of Turkey, and especially during the Justice and Development Party. Through opening to foreign countries policy, the Justice and Development Party employed the ‘soft power’ mechanisms that promoted positive images of Turkey in global stage, particularly within the Muslim-majority countries or areas. The changes of foreign policy in the past decades highlighted Turkey’s economic and social roles in various regions, namely, the Middle East, Middle Asia, Balkan and Africa. Even though Turkey has recently turned to use military mechanism due to the regional political instability, it continues to use foreign policy in search for its position in the world. As Southeast Asia has become more prominent, the ‘Look East Policy’ of Turkey also turns to this region. This article aims to emphasize Turkish roles in various dimensions in Southeast Asia, including economics, security, diplomacy, and humanitarian aids. Turkey has been brought closer to Southeast Asia region despite the presence of some challenges in political situations of either Turkey or some countries in the area.