@article{article_1351264, title={WESTERN BALKANS, TÜRKİYE AND THE CONCEPT OF NATURAL POSITION}, journal={Journal of International Relations and Political Science Studies}, pages={1–15}, year={2023}, author={İbish, Mevludin and Ferhad, Sezer}, keywords={Policy, Doctrine, Investment, Regional Power, Integration, Heritage}, abstract={There is no doubt that Turkiye is a very influential state in the Western Balkans region and has developed into an undoubtable regional actor within recent years. In this paper, our aim is to analyze the position of Turkiye as a regional actor in the Western Balkans, to rethink the approach of Turkiye towards the Western Balkans and to introduce Natural Position as a new concept related to regional policies and foreign relations. This paper will provide an analysis of the history and development of relations between Turkiye and the Western Balkans, the significance and role of Turkiye in the region and the justification of Turkish involvement within the framework of the concept of Natural Position. As well as rethinking the role and approach of Turkiye in the Western Balkans and providing analytical reasoning for a more assertive Turkish role in the Balkans.}, number={9}, publisher={International Relations Studies Association}, organization={International Balkan University}