A Neorealist Interpretation of Ottoman Wars in Eastern and Central Europe: The Case of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (1656–1661)
A Neorealist Interpretation of Ottoman Wars in Eastern and Central Europe: The Case of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (1656–1661)
Author(s): Mahmut Halef CevrioğluSubject(s): Political Sciences, Military history, Political history, International relations/trade, Comparative politics, The Ottoman Empire
Published by: SAV - Slovenská akadémia vied - Historický ústav SAV
Keywords: Eastern Europe; Central Europe; Foreign Policy Analysis; Offensive Realism; Early Modern Ottoman Empire; Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha
Summary/Abstract: Ottoman Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha is often portrayed as a key figure in the Ottoman Empire's resurgence in the mid-17th century. His successful military campaigns led to various historical interpretations of his foreign policy, but a theoretical analysis has been lacking. This study uses offensive realism to argue that Köprülü Mehmed's military expansionism against Poland-Lithuania and Transylvania stemmed from his desire to maintain the status quo in eastern and central Europe. His actions, including intervention in Transylvania, aimed to prevent the partition of Polish-Lithuanian territories and counterbalance the growing Russian and Habsburg threats. The study uses contemporary newspapers and diplomatic reports to support its neorealist interpretation.
Journal: Historický časopis
- Issue Year: 72/2024
- Issue No: 5
- Page Range: 849-874
- Page Count: 26
- Language: English
