Turkey: the nature of national modernization

Today's Turkey is one of the most dynamically developing economies in the world. The underdeveloped agrarian state turned into the member of G20, lying in the 15th place in the rating of the greatest global economies. In 2002-2009 the average GDP was 6-9 percent, the figure was doubled in five years. Now it is 880 billion dollars (the nearest competitors are South Korea, Mexico and Australia). Turkey expands its international influence, seeking to gain the role of informal leader of the Middle East and the Balkans. It may lead to the revival of the new Ottoman Empire. How did it happen that the poor state turned into politically, economically strong entity?

The elections of 2002 shocked both Turkey and the international community: the Islamists came to power! However, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the new Turkish leader proved to be a clever man. Aspiration to full-fledged EU membership and reforming legislation to meet its standards represented one of the main directions of the political program. This step was very successful and the party still enjoys its dividends. Having quickly understood that the main danger is posed to his party from inside the country - mainly from traditionally secular military and civil officers who head the Constitutional Court and the Council for National Security- Erdoğan took care of their non-involvement in political life of his country. According to the incumbent Constitution of 1982 these bodies are completely entitled to dissolve any political force which could be accused of attempted violation of secular bases of the society. Amendment of legislation towards europeization would deprive the army from this right. Slogans of democratization and europeization provide strong support from abroad.

Many other home reforms found approvement of the EU leaders and bodies and clever foreign policy made Turkey one of the new leaders of emerging world order. I guess almost every country could find some useful example to take from this country's policy, but will any? I doubt as despite these achievement Turkey is still perceived by most Europeans as a second chop state.

http://www.eastwest-review.com/article/turkey-nature-national-modernization-essay-1

The Relations between Turkey and Russia: New Eurasian Alliance?

Russia and Turkey were “Historical enemies” for ages. There were 11 russo-turkish wars, centuries of competition and hostility. This policy resulted in enormous economical and demographic losses and formation of Independent Balkans – zone of instability, hostile to both empires. The last russo-turkish war destroyed Ottoman and Russian Empires. A short period of friendship in 20-30-es of the XX century was profitable for both Soviet Union and Turkey, but it finished with the beginning of the II World war.

Later on the relations were developing still rather poorly. For Russians, Turkey has remained, as before, the primordial contender on the Caucasus and Black sea, the carrier of a hostile culture and alien values, the instrument of American policy and NATO`s sentinel on the southern flank of the weakened Russian empire. For Turks, Russia, as in the old days, has been associated with threat – “the northern bear” – unpredictable, dangerous, and capricious.

At the beginning of the new century the situation changed quickly and dramatically. The russian and turkish business opened numerous projects and tens thousands of Russian tourists chose Turkey the best place to spend summer vacation.

The turning point is observed in political relations as well. The clear Eurasian policy of both states, the far-fetched threat of American intervention and common economic interests pulled Moscow and Ankara together, leveling regional contradictions between them. Turks and Russians relied on cooperation with each other and ousting the USA from the region. Putin’s and Erdogan`s policy makers came to the conclusion that both countries could not cardinally change the regional balance of forces, but together were able to resist American involvement. Vexing questions remain, but they are not causing as much concern as before and are currently viewed in the common context of geopolitical partnership. Ankara is still dissatisfied with the Russian military presence at Georgia and Armenia, and Moscow feels uncomfortable with Georgian-Turkish and Azeri-Turkish military cooperation.

History shows that hidden or neglected problems do not often disappear by themselves, they still have to be solved. Will this Moscow-Ankara based balance of power in the Central Asia last for long?

http://www.eastwest-review.com/article/relations-between-turkey-and-russia-new-eurasian-alliance