East Asia in Turkish Foreign Policy: Turkey as a ‘Global Power’?

Abstract

This chapter aims to test the claim of ‘Turkey as a great power’ by analysing relations with East Asia. It first provides a historical overview of relations with this rising and dynamic region to identify the underlying patterns that have determined Turkey’s policies. Following an analysis of relations with Japan, South Korea and China—which are the countries that have become significant in different periods of Turkish history, and that exemplify periods of self-awareness and international role searching—Turkey’s global strategy in the early twenty-first century is studied. Finally, it is argued that even though Turkey’s profile, interest and activism in East Asia have been increasing, this is still not sufficient to sustain claims of a great power status.