Turkiye’s Africa-Sub-Saharan Policies and Its Competition with France

Abstract

Turkiye increased its presence in Central Asia, Caucasus, Balkans, and especially Africa by transforming its foreign policy. Undoubtedly, this situation requires a new perception in foreign policy. Therefore, it required the causes of the policy of disinterestedness to these regions in the 20th century. Turkiye, endeavored to structure its African policy with the soft power instruments emanated from its historical background by stressing cultural and religious values. Being aware of the fact that soft power is not sufficient enough, hard power instruments have also been implemented after Arab Spring in 2011. Certainly, Türkiye’s foreign policy in Africa disturbs imperialist powers especially France which wants to maintain its influence. This study deals with Türkiye’s historical presence in Africa, its soft and hard power instruments and its relations with France which has interests in the region.

Keywords

• : Sub-Saharan Africa
• Soft Power
• Hard Power
• Turkiye
• Turkiye-France Competition

Türkiye’nin Afrika-Sahra Altı Politikası ve Fransa ile Rekabeti

Abstract

Türkiye yaklaşık son yirmi yılda dış politika yaklaşımında bir dönüşüme giderek Orta Asya, Kafkasya, Balkanlar ve özellikle de Afrika’da varlığını daha da hissettirmeye başlamıştır. Şüphesiz bu durum dış politikada yeni bir bakış açısı gerektirmektedir. Bu nedenle yirminci yüzyılda bu bölgelerden uzak durmasının veya ilgisiz kalmasının nedenlerini sorgulamayı da gerektirmiştir. Türkiye, özellikle Afrika’da sahip olduğu tarihsel arka planın getirdiği kültürel ve dini değerleri vurgulamak suretiyle önce yumuşak güç unsurlarıyla Afrika politikasını temellendirmeye çalışmıştır. Yumuşak gücün tek başına yeterli olmayacağı gerçeğiyle, özellikle 2011 Arap Baharı’ndan sonra “sert güç” politikası da devreye alınmıştır. Şüphesiz Türkiye’nin Afrika’da uyguladığı dış politikalar geleneksel sömürgeci güçleri, özellikle hala bölgede etkinliğini sürdürmeye çalışan Fransa’yı rahatsız etmektedir. Bu çalışma Türkiye’nin Afrika’daki tarihsel geçmişi, yumuşak güç-sert güç uygulamaları ve bölgede çıkarları olan Fransa ile olan ilişkiler üzerine odaklanmıştır.

Keywords

• Sahra Altı Afrikası
• Türkiye
• Yumuşak Güç
• Sert Güç
• Türkiye-Fransa Rekabeti

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