Publication date:
16 December 2014Length of book:
446 pagesPublisher
University Press of AmericaDimensions:
229x152mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780761861898
Turkey and the West: From Neutrality to Commitment considers the formulation of Turkish foreign policy in the post-Atatürk period of 1938 to 1958 and discusses Turkey’s uneasy shift from neutrality to become a member of the Western Alliance. Turkey’s decision to ally itself with the Western grouping of states shaped its apprehension of regional and world politics in decades to come. Turkey’s choice, however, was neither adequately perceived nor fully appreciated in the volatile atmosphere of 1950s and onwards and went largely unnoticed on the part of Western democracies. A reinterpretation of Turkey's recent history throws considerable light on the complexities surrounding this strategically important country.
Dr. Çetiner unravels the complexities of the period—from the dark war years in which Turkish vulnerability was manifestly obvious to the outbreak of the Korean War. His perspective is unique, having access to the Archives of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs [which are not open to the public], and his range of contacts with Turkish diplomats.
An attentive reading of this book will repay the reader with a greater appreciation of the complex issues of the period and of the difficult evaluations and choices that were made by Turkish leaders. History does not repeat itself, so no direct "lessons" can be drawn for the present situation, in which new ambiguities, difficulties and opportunities have arisen; but the study of momentous periods of the recent past carries its own rewards.
An attentive reading of this book will repay the reader with a greater appreciation of the complex issues of the period and of the difficult evaluations and choices that were made by Turkish leaders. History does not repeat itself, so no direct "lessons" can be drawn for the present situation, in which new ambiguities, difficulties and opportunities have arisen; but the study of momentous periods of the recent past carries its own rewards.