The Security of Turkey in the late Westphalian International System
The Security of Turkey in the late Westphalian International System

Summary/Abstract: The new late Westphalian international system is strongly connected with the process of globalization. It changed and challenged the traditional role of the state. It is impossible to be independent or self-sufficient in such a system. There are many new non-state players in the international relations. Terrorist organizations or transnational companies can act across state borders. We have also many other phenomena, like drugs and arms trafficking, illegal migration, the need of energy security, weapons of mass destruction or the global financial crisis. That is why states have to act together to deal with such problems. The system of international interdependence forces to change the traditional meaning of state’s sovereignty and security. The participation in some specific international organizations, like the European Union, changes the role of the state. We can analyse the process of erosion of state’s sovereignty or the transition of the part of the state’s sovereignty to some transnational decision making structures. The question is, how much sovereignty we can give up to keep our identity? This question is a key issue in the process of Turkey’s integration with the EU. The new international situation made Turkey a much more active and pragmatic player. In late Westphalian system Turkey is an important part of the regional security in Eurasia not only in military sense but also in economic, cultural or political dimensions. Turkey enjoys a special location between Europe and Asia along one of the world’s biggest trade routes. It is a geopolitically significant country—European and Asian at the same time. Such a position made Turkey a state with a very specific international role in establishing a dialog between civilizations. It can be also a key element of the energy security of the European Union as a corridor for the resources from the Caucasus and Central Asia regions to the European markets. Turkey is also a very important element in the transatlantic security system. It may play a significant role in the Western counterterrorism strategy in the Middle East and Central Asia. Turkey could make a valuable contribution to the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). Turkey needs a peaceful neighbourhood and security borders to continue its internal reforms which are important to adapt to the new late Westphalian international system. In this analysis, it is necessary to explain the main thesis: what is the Westphalian international system, the late Westphalian international system, what the place of Turkey is in the late Westphalian international system and how it influences the Turkish security

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