TURKEY IN THE WESTERN BALKANS - GOAL AND MEANS OF THE NEW FOREIGN POLICY
TURKEY IN THE WESTERN BALKANS - GOAL AND MEANS OF THE NEW FOREIGN POLICY

Author(s): Žarko Petrović
Subject(s): Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense
Published by: ISAC - Centar za međunarodne i bezbednosne poslove
Keywords: Turkey; Western Balkans; Turkish Foreign Policy; European Union Integration; NATO Cooperation; Ottoman Heritage
Summary/Abstract: Although it increasingly perceives itself as an important pillar in international relations, Turkey’s policy in the Western Balkans is in line with the NATO priorities of stability in the Western Balkans. However, due to its hampered progress towards the EU, Turkey had gradually stepped out with independent initiatives in the region. It is trying to re-brand Ottoman heritage, assure the Muslim elite in the region that their interests remain the priority of Turkey and build new relations with non-Muslim elites in the region. Turkey is building these new relations based on the political and the economic support it offers. Mediation in regional problems, international initiatives and strategic investments are just some of them. Many countries in the region continue to accept the independent initiatives of Turkey, which is an opportunity for Turkey to put its influence in the region on the table in negotiations with the EU. However, Turkey has neither the capacity nor the image or international status for an independent policy in the region. It is the Western Balkan countries which have to formulate Turkey’s role in the region and make the EU accelerate the integration of the region, so that the independent initiatives of countries such as Turkey would not take away attention and energy from the common goal of EU integration.

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