Turkey’s engagement in international education as an emerging donor country: action, rationale and potential future development

Abstract

Education aid comprises an essential part of Turkey’s overall development assistance, often given special attention as a part of its soft power and public diplomacy. The current study aims to examine Turkey’s activism in international education through education aid. It is argued that Turkey’s rise as an education aid donor country is mainly the result of a transformation in its foreign policy, of which education aid is an increasingly prominent part. Recipient needs, fragile state priority, cultural affinity, and donor self-interest are the primary rationales for the provision of education aid, and its sustainability depends on solving certain substantial economic and geopolitical issues.