Syrian factor in foreign policy of Turkey (2003–2014 рр.)

Andriy Boyko

Undergraduate of Department of Modern and Contemporary History of Foreign Countries, historical faculty, Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University

UDС 94(560:569.1)

DOI http://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2016.04.44-58

Abstract

The article discusses the Turkish-Syrian relations during the period of 2003-2014 gg. The history of relations between the two countries has a deep and complicated history, in this article considers the newest part of it.

At the turn of the millennium there has been considerable progress and the development of bilateral relations, which have been caused by the coincidence of interests of the ruling elites associated with a desire to stabilize the situation in the Middle East region. After the beginning of civil war in Syria, a progressive deterioration in relations between the two countries began. The reason for this was the position of Ankara, which had supported demands of the Syrian opposition and opposed to the regime of President B. Assad. The events of the “Arab Spring” in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic gave Turkey an opportunity to 57 demonstrate the potential of a regional leader, especially in the eyes of Western countries and the EU. Deteriorating situation in Syria, with time, became a threat to national security of the Turkish Republic, which was developed, for example, in the issue of refugees, terrorism and exacerbation of “the Kurdish problem.”

Till certain moment the government policy of Recep Erdoğan against Syria was bringing some dividends, for instance, the growth of the influence and authority of Turkey, both in the region and in the international arena. However, in the long term Ankara has failed to independently resolve the Syrian crisis.

Keywords

Recep Erdoğan, Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkish Republic, Syria, “The Arab spring”.

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