TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS THE BALKANS: NEW ACTIVISM, NEO-OTTOMANISM OR/SO WHAT?

Abstract

It is often argued that Ankara has developed a new interest and manifested a growing economic and diplomatic role in its neighboring regions-including the Balkans. This trend is mostly referred to as new activism in media circles, and has taken a place in the endless discussions on the success/failure of the AKP (Justice and Development Party) government. Furthermore, it has reopened the notorious discussion of so-called neo-Ottomanism, particularly due to the personal background and speeches of Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. This opinion piece aims to analyze the current stage of Turkish foreign policy in the Balkans in order to understand the essence and dynamics of this so called new activism and neo-Ottomanism.