Türkiye Policy Outlook Under AKP: A Strategic Tilt Towards Ottomanism

Over the last two decades, since Justice and Development Party (AKP) came into power, Türkiye has gradually transformed; from a state keeping a low profile in geopolitics to playing a proactive role in regional affairs, especially as it is trying to present itself as the dominant player in the Middle East. Türkiye’s domestic political structure and foreign policy have been shaped by the elements of Neo-Ottomanism, being cultivated by the AKP elites. To explore the extent of tilt towards Neo-Ottomanism this study employs Qualitative Content Analysis to examine statements made by AKP policy elites and the policies implemented by the state to understand the transformation of Türkiye’s strategic culture – from one based on secularism, isolationism, and alignment with the West to a more religious, pro-active and anti-West orientation, characterised by a pragmatic foreign policy. The study finds that Türkiye has adopted a much more centralised domestic political structure and a pro-active approach in global politics. The shifts in the domestic and foreign policy reflect a pragmatic approach reflecting elements of Neo-Ottomanism in Türkiye’s strategic culture to meet the geopolitical realities of the Twenty First century.