Turkey advances strategic global expansion plans, citing “Historic Mission”
Source: in-cyprus.com
Turkey is executing a comprehensive global expansion strategy designed by its political, diplomatic, and military leadership, with key focus areas including Greece and Cyprus, regions deemed strategically vital to Ankara’s interests.
President Tayyip Erdogan, in unveiling Turkey’s 2024-2029 Public Diplomacy Strategy Document, outlined an ambitious vision for a “greater Turkey” underpinned by both hard and soft power tactics. Erdogan described this as a “historic mission,” asserting, “Turkey is more than Turkey… our geography of the heart extends far beyond our borders.”
The document details six core objectives aimed at reshaping Turkey’s global image and enhancing its influence. These include strengthening Turkey’s international branding, countering misinformation, and projecting the country as a compassionate and cooperative global power. Ankara has also prioritised infrastructure development, educational initiatives, and cultural diplomacy to build dependency and influence in target regions.
Regional Focus and Power Projection
Greece and Cyprus remain central to Turkey’s strategic framework. Erdogan’s administration views control over these areas as critical to securing broader geopolitical goals. Beyond the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey has established an extensive diplomatic and operational network, including development aid through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and disaster relief services.
The plan also highlights Ankara’s efforts to extend its footprint in Africa, the Balkans, and the Caucasus, leveraging a blend of humanitarian outreach, cultural programmes, and economic investments. Turkey’s approach in these regions includes funding schools, offering scholarships, and developing infrastructure projects such as hospitals, ports, and railways.
Hard and Soft Power Synergy
While soft power remains a cornerstone of Turkey’s foreign policy, military presence is expanding. Turkish forces operate in Syria, Libya, Qatar, and Somalia, among other locations. The country’s booming arms exports, particularly drones and armoured vehicles, have further solidified its influence.
Ankara’s growing presence in Africa is underscored by agreements granting it rights to protect territorial waters, such as in Somalia, paving the way for long-term strategic engagement.
Global Positioning for the “Century of Turkey”
The Erdogan government has termed the upcoming era the “Century of Turkey,” with aspirations to establish the nation as a regional superpower with global reach. Officials describe a multi-pronged strategy blending soft power tools like Turkish television dramas—widely popular across Africa—with infrastructure projects and targeted humanitarian aid.
The strategy document also outlines plans to reshape global perceptions of contentious historical issues, including Ankara’s stance on the events of 1915 and the Cyprus conflict, aligning narratives with Turkey’s strategic goals.
As Ankara continues its global push, analysts say the combination of cultural diplomacy, economic interdependence, and military strength signals Turkey’s intent to redefine its role on the international stage.
Turkey is ramping up its global influence through an expansive diplomatic network, humanitarian initiatives, and strategic infrastructure projects as outlined in its 2024-2029 Public Diplomacy Strategy Document. The plan underscores Ankara’s ambition to strengthen its global footprint, improve its international image, and expand its sphere of influence across Africa, the Balkans, and the Caucasus.
The document highlights Turkey’s rank as having the world’s third-largest diplomatic network, enabling wide-reaching engagement in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Key objectives include enhancing Turkey’s branding, countering misinformation, and fostering mutual economic and cultural ties with target countries.
Core Principles of Engagement
The strategy outlines fundamental principles to achieve its vision, including:
- Holistic promotion of Turkey’s diverse capabilities.
- Building Turkey’s brand and aligning perceptions with its global aspirations.
- Combating misinformation and manipulation campaigns domestically and internationally.
- Strengthening partnerships with international organizations and foreign governments.
- Leveraging Turkish cultural exports, such as popular television series, to build cultural ties.
- Promoting Turkey’s global achievements in sports and gastronomy to bolster its image.
Investment in Africa and Beyond
Turkey has intensified its engagement in Africa, with initiatives ranging from building hospitals, ports, and railways to managing educational institutions in 25 countries. Approximately 20,000 students study on Turkish government scholarships, while Ankara provides direct humanitarian aid, bypassing international organizations to foster dependency and alliances.
In the resource sector, Turkey has invested in African mining and oil operations, employing a mix of legal and covert methods, including alleged bribery. Analysts describe this as part of a broader effort to secure economic leverage in the region.
Expanding Military Influence
Militarily, Turkey has solidified its presence in key regions, maintaining forces in Somalia, Libya, Syria, and Qatar, among others. Ankara has also signed defense agreements with countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.
The export of Turkish drones and military hardware has surged, generating billions of dollars in revenue and expanding Ankara’s strategic influence. In Somalia, Turkey holds authority over maritime protection, granting it a lasting presence in the region.
Cultural and Strategic Diplomacy
Cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of Turkey’s approach. Turkish television series have gained immense popularity, particularly in Africa, where they are viewed as tools to shape perceptions and cultural ties. Reports suggest these productions have influenced sociocultural norms in countries like Nigeria and Uganda, with many viewers even learning Turkish from the shows.
Simultaneously, Ankara has intensified efforts to promote its narratives on contentious historical and geopolitical issues. The strategy includes initiatives to reshape international perceptions of the events of 1915 and assert Turkey’s claimpruss in the Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Cyprus.
A Global Vision for the Century of Turkey
Under President Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey envisions establishing itself as a global power with regional dominance. The comprehensive public diplomacy plan integrates cultural exports, humanitarian outreach, and strategic investments to create lasting economic and political ties.
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