Content Type: Working Paper / Publishing Institution: Istituto Affari Internazionali / Political Geography: Turkey / Topic: Diplomacy

Author:: Emiliano Alessandri
Publication Date:: 02-2010
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Istituto Affari Internazionali
Abstract:: The article refutes the often-heard argument that Ankara's recent 'activism' in the Middle East indicates that Turkey is 'drifting away from the West'. Turkey's improving relations with its neighbors (not only in the Middle East), are mainly a result of the end of the Cold War and of domestic developments which have 'unlocked' Turkey, transforming it into a more open and democratic country with an even greater stake in EU membership. At the same time, the many international and domestic changes that have occurred since Turkey was granted candidate status call for a 're-foundation' of the Turkey-EU relationship. Lacking the latter, the future of Turkey-EU relations will indeed remain uncertain.
Topic:: Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Political Geography:: Turkey and Middle East

Author:: Nona Mikhelidze
Publication Date:: 03-2010
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Istituto Affari Internazionali
Abstract:: In October 2009, after intense diplomatic talks and the active involvement of key external actors, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian signed two protocols aimed at restoring bilateral relations. The agreements have however remained unratified due to political obstacles closely linked to historic disputes and the geopolitical constellation in the South Caucasus. As a result, even if rapprochement between Ankara and Yerevan has the potential of producing far-reaching changes in the regional political equilibrium, the status quo remains the most likely scenario.
Topic:: Conflict Resolution, Diplomacy, Ethnic Conflict, and Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:: Central Asia, Turkey, Middle East, Armenia, and South Caucasus

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