Republic of Turkey

Comprised of Turkey, North Cyprus, Syria

Capital: Ankara

Head of State: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Domestic alignment: Erdoganism

International alignment: Erdoganism

Recent History

The collapse of the international system had catastrophic effects on the middle east. With the Americans no longer involved, no longer restraining our freedom of action in the region, the Turkish state was able to pursue a more aggressive policy in securing its frontiers from insurgent elements that threatened to undermine the national security of the Republic. In particular, this has led to an escalation of the intervention in Syria. The power vacuum in the region was able to be filled by the Turkish state, the surge of troops in Syria allowed the Turkish government to present an ultimatum to our Syrian counterparts, Assad would resign and go into exile in exchange for full amnesty and the ability to maintain a large portion of his family's fortune. Furthermore, the Syrian state has agreed to sovereignty-association with Turkey recognizing that our conventional superiority in the theatre and economic means are too great to be resisted.

The collapse of the international order also meant new opportunities, pressed on by strong nationalistic sentiments, the long ambition of Turanists has slowly inched forward. Sovereignty association in Syria meant unprecedented rights and privileges for Turkmen estimated at between 5-15% of Syria’s population. This further emboldened nationalists, now realizing that the Turkish Cypriot population was concerned about their own security given the collapse of NATO could allow a dangerous and expansionist regime in Greece to try and seize Cyprus for itself. Turkey acted swifted and deployed security forces to Northern Cyprus and accepted its accession into the Republic as a proper integral piece of the nation. Time will only tell if a growing grassroots and parliamentary nationalist movement will push for greater Turanic projects.

Domestic Politics

The politics of Turkey remain mostly unchanged constitutionally, however, parliament has become increasingly dominated by the AKP and MHP, with the influence of expansionist and irredentist movements rising. Many call for Turkey to take on a leadership role in the Islamic World and the region. With the absence of the United States, it seems very likely that this lobby will find an attentive listener in the AKP administration.

President Erdogan has successfully stabilized Turkey’s southern frontier and brought many more Turkish people into the nation. Further, the acquisition of Syria’s energy resources shall help the nation build its energy independence, a policy the government has pledged to expand upon.

The rise of the far-right and superstates in the Balkans is of great concern to Turkey, with millions of Turkish people potentially being at risk, many would say the Turkish state has a moral duty to protect Turkic and Islamic peoples in the Balkans should these reactionary states take actions to threaten them.

In particular, the Greek annexation of the south of Cyprus is of great concern to the Turkish people and is viewed as an escalation of a delicate situation. The nation may be forced to expand its defence commitments and the military-industrial complex to ensure it can maintain dominance in its own waters and project power effectively in the Mediterranean.

Foreign Policy

Turkey’s foreign policy in this new world is very uncertain. However, the country does with to expand its commercial ties and continue to attract partners who can help further develop the nation’s industry. The expansion of the state into Syria has brought a large new labour force and market to invest in and new partners would make this process far easier. Turkey hopes the dynamism of the Turkish demographic situation and the labour market will seem attractive to potential commercial partners, commercial ties with Russia would be in particular useful due to our proximity. However, of great interest as always with the collapse of the EU is the possibility of new lucrative trade deals with the large developed markets in Europe.

Our alignment with regards to East vs West is still very much up to debate, with China being the overwhelming largest economy and market, but the North Americans and Europeans retaining a significant role in global affairs if diminished. Any partner should recognize Turkey’s unique strategic position and its natural role in the MENA region as a guarantor of security and stability.