The trajectory of a modified middle power: an attempt to make sense of Turkey’s foreign policy in its centennial

Abstract

This article explores the general characteristics of Turkey’s foreign policy in long durée by introducing the concept of a modified middle power. It argues that its historical legacy, the ambiguity of its regional belonging, and its real and constructed pivotal geography have modified Turkey’s ‘middlepowerness’ and led to its in-betweenness. As such, the Turkish Republic, in its 100 years of history, has developed different strategies that aim to both remedy and sustain this in-betweenness. It is argued that this characteristic has been Turkey’s contribution to global politics. Yet, during the AKP rule, especially since the 2010s, Turkey’s in-betweenness has been undermined, ultimately weakening Turkey’s position and role.