PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.
Linkage: Under President Erdogan, Türkiye has moved away from its earlier identity as a secular, peaceful Cold War ally. Instead, it is now trying to become a strong regional power by following a foreign policy influenced by Islamic values. This question looks at how a country’s image and role are changing in today’s world. |
Mentor’s Comment: Türkiye’s bold and ideology-driven foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is changing the political balance in West Asia, North Africa, and the Caucasus. By mixing Islamic revival ideas with smart diplomacy, Türkiye has become a unique player — a NATO member that backs Islamic groups and also works closely with Russia and Iran. Its support for HTS in Syria, military presence in Qatar, and use of drones in Azerbaijan and Ukraine show a carefully planned but risky push to expand its regional influence.
Today’s editorial discusses Türkiye’s bold and belief-based foreign policy, which is an important topic for GS Paper II (International Relations).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Türkiye has followed a foreign policy that leans towards Islamic values and focuses on making closer friendships with Muslim countries. But knowing Türkiye’s limits, he has also used a practicaland flexible approach along with his Islamic ideas.
What are the key features of Türkiye’s foreign policy under President Erdogan?
- Islamist-leaning tilt: Türkiye has shifted from secular foreign policy to an Islamist-oriented approach, drawing from Ottoman-era ideology like Ittihad-i Islam (Unity of Islam).
- Strategic activism: Ankara has actively intervened in conflict zones (Syria, Libya, Caucasus) to expand influence and protect Islamist groups.
- Balanced diplomacy: Despite its Islamist foreign policy, Türkiye continues to be a key NATO member and maintains military cooperation with the West.
- Pragmatism with ideology: Erdogan blends ideological objectives with pragmatic diplomacy to gain leverage in regional and global affairs.
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Why has Türkiye blended Islamist ideology with pro-Western alliances in recent years?
- Strategic Leverage: Türkiye blends Islamist ideology with pro-Western alliances to expand its influence in the Muslim world while continuing to benefit from Western military and economic support. Eg: It supported the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt while remaining a NATO member and hosting U.S. nuclear weaponsat Incirlik Airbase.
- Geopolitical Balancing: By engaging with both the West and rivals like Russia, Türkiye positions itself as a key regional power using diplomatic flexibility. Eg: It supplied drones to Ukraine but refused to impose sanctions on Russia, and also bought Russia’s S-400 missile defence system.
- Domestic Political Gains: The blend allows Erdogan to satisfy his conservative and Islamist voter base while keeping ties with the West to boost Türkiye’s global standing. Eg: While supporting Islamist groups in Syria and Libya, he also pursued EU accession negotiations and maintained U.S. relations.
- Reclaiming Regional Influence: Erdogan aims to revive Türkiye’s past Ottoman glory by asserting leadership in the Islamic world through both ideology and realpolitik. Eg: Türkiye supported HTS in Syria, deployed troops in Qatar, and backed Azerbaijan against Armenia—moves tied to its historical influence in those regions.
How has Türkiye’s involvement in Syria, Libya, and the Caucasus expanded its regional influence?
- Support for Islamist Groups in Syria: Türkiye backed anti-Assad factions, including the Free Syrian Army and later Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to expand its presence near the Israeli border and counter Kurdish militias. Eg: Türkiye created a buffer zone on the Turkish-Syrian border and opposed military operations against HTS, enhancing its influence in northern Syria.
- Military Presence in Libya: Türkiye supported the Tripoli-based government, which was dominated by Islamist groups, against the eastern faction supported by Egypt and Russia. Eg: Its intervention shifted the power balance in Libya’s civil war, strengthening its role as a decisive actor in North Africa.
- Backing Azerbaijan in the Caucasus: During the 2023 Armenia-Azerbaijan war, Türkiye supported Azerbaijanmilitarily and diplomatically against Russia-backed Armenia. Eg: Türkiye’s supply of drones and training helped Azerbaijan gain territory in Nagorno-Karabakh, solidifying Ankara’s role in Caucasian geopolitics.
- Neo-Ottoman Strategic Depth: These interventions reflect Türkiye’s goal of restoring its Ottoman-era influence in regions it historically controlled. Eg: By actively engaging in conflicts across West Asia and the Caucasus, Türkiye revives its historical footprint under a neo-Ottoman vision.
- Diplomatic Bargaining Power: Türkiye’s involvement in regional conflicts enhances its bargaining power with both the West and Russia, giving it room to extract concessions. Eg: Despite tensions over S-400, Türkiye supported Sweden and Finland’s NATO entry, using its strategic role to influence Western policy decisions.
What are the ethical issues?
- Support for Militant Groups: Backing groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has links to terrorist networks, raises serious ethical concerns regarding state sponsorship of violence. Eg: Türkiye’s protection of HTS in Syria, despite its al-Qaeda roots, may undermine international counter-terrorism norms.
- Civilian Impact and Regional Instability: Türkiye’s military involvement in conflict zones (Syria, Libya, Caucasus) can lead to civilian casualties and human rights violations, raising questions about just war ethics. Eg: Drone strikes in Libya and Azerbaijan, though tactically effective, risk collateral damage and contribute to prolonged violence.
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What would be the impact on India?
- Strengthened Türkiye-Pakistan Alliance: Türkiye’s open support for Pakistan in regional disputes, especially during India-Pakistan tensions, could undermine India’s diplomatic interests. Eg: During the India-Pakistan flare-up, Türkiye backed Islamabad, which may influence international forums like the UN or OIC against India.
- Rival Narrative in the Muslim World: Türkiye’s Islamist foreign policy positions it as a champion of Muslim causes, potentially creating a counter-narrative to India’s efforts to engage Gulf and West Asian countries. Eg: Türkiye’s support for Kashmir-related discussions at the OIC can affect India’s relations with Muslim-majority countries.
- Strategic Presence Near India’s Periphery: Türkiye’s increasing engagement in South Asia and Central Asia through military and diplomatic ties (e.g., with Azerbaijan and Pakistan) may reduce India’s strategic space in the extended neighbourhood. Eg: Türkiye’s participation in military drills with Pakistan and support for joint defence production could enhance Islamabad’s military capabilities.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Strategic Partnerships in West Asia and Eurasia: India should deepen ties with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and Central Asian republics to counterbalance Türkiye’s growing regional influence. Eg: Expanding the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and increasing energy and security cooperation with Gulf nations can help secure India’s interests.
- Enhance Global Diplomacy and Narrative Building: India must actively engage in multilateral platforms (like OIC, UN, SCO) to neutralize anti-India rhetoric and promote a moderate, inclusive image. Eg: Leveraging its civilizational diplomacy and diaspora to reinforce its role as a responsible power in the Islamic world.
