Explaining Turkish Foreign Policy by Emphasizing on the Rosenau Theory (2003-2017)

AbstractFrom the point of view of James Rosenau, in order to analyze and explain foreign policy of each country, the both domestic-level variables (individual, role of government and society) and international level (system) should be considered. Rosenau divides the countries on the basis of development, cultural sensitivity, political power, economic status and the nature of the social structure. In this study, it is tried to examine the process of decision making in foreign policy of Turkey (after taking power by the Party of Justice and Development) according to linkages theory of James Rosenau. Researches that have examined the Turkish foreign policy in recent decade, have paid attention to the impact and role of the political elite and political agents in the process of Turkey's foreign policy; or analyzed foreign policy system of the country regarding to system variables of international organization. In each research done, some variables have been neglected. By using James Rosenau continuity model to explain the foreign policy of Turkey, the Research weaknesses of the above researches are covered. Regarding to effectiveness of the foreign policy from multiple variables, policy-making process and decision making in Turkey as a Republic country is affected by several variables. The assumptions of this study is that Turkey is a republic country and secular with open social structure and industrial and developing. Hypothesis of the present study that is done by analytical and descriptive methodology contains variables of the Role, system, society, government and individual as the most important variables influencing on policy making of Turkey according to Rosenau`s continuity model.