Koncept neoosmanizma i jačanje položaja Turske u regiji Zapadnog balkana
Concept of Neo-Ottomanism and Strengthening Turkey’s Position in The Western Balkans Region

Summary/Abstract: This article analyzes the concept of Neo-Ottomanism as a distinct orientation of Turkey’s foreign policy towards the Western Balkans in the 21st century. Initially articulated by Ahmet Davutoğlu, then Minister of Foreign Affairs and later Prime Minister of Turkey, Neo-Ottomanism emphasized Ankara’s ambition to position itself as a major regional actor. Between 2009 and 2016, Turkey actively employed instruments of foreign and economic policy, soft power, and historical ties, with particular reference to the shared Ottoman legacy. A significant shift occurred in 2016 with the election of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as President of Turkey. In contrast to Davutoğlu, Erdoğan pursued more pragmatic and effective approaches to strengthening Turkey’s presence in the Western Balkans, prioritizing economic relations and strategic partnerships while avoiding direct political pressure on regional states. Consequently, Turkey gradually emerged as a key political and economic partner for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Ankara has cultivated particularly close ties with Belgrade, while simultaneously seeking to expand cooperation with Croatia, a member of the European Union.

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