THE YUNUS EMRE INSTITUTE AS A TOOL OF TURKISH SOFT POWER IN LATIN AMERICA

Abstract

This article examines Turkish cultural diplomacy in Latin America through a case study of the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE), arguing that while the institute has expanded Turkish soft power presence in the region, its long-term consolidation remains institutionally fragile. The analysis integrates soft power theory, cultural diplomacy, constructivism, and post-Western approaches to foreign policy. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative and comparative design based on primary and secondary sources, field observations, and anonymized interviews conducted in Buenos Aires. It also contrasts Turkish approach with the state-driven models of China and Russia in Latin America. Findings show that YEE has promoted Turkish culture and strengthened bilateral ties, particularly in Argentina and Mexico; however, governance challenges and limited transparency constrain the sustainability of Turkish soft power projection. The study concludes that Türkiye advances a flexible model of South-South cultural engagement whose durability depends on greater institutional professionalization and strategic coherence.

Keywords

• Türkiye
• Soft Power
• Cultural Diplomacy
• Latin America
• Institutional Governance

LATİN AMERİKA’DA TÜRK YUMUŞAK GÜCÜNÜN BİR ARACI OLARAK YUNUS EMRE ENSTİTÜSÜ

Abstract

Bu makale, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü (YEE) örneği üzerinden Türkiye’nin Latin Amerika’daki kültürel diplomasisini incelemekte ve Enstitü’nün Türkiye’nin yumuşak güç varlığını bölgede genişletmiş olmasına rağmen, bu varlığın uzun vadeli kurumsal sağlamlığının kırılgan kaldığını ileri sürmektedir. Analiz, yumuşak güç teorisi, kültürel diplomasi, konstrüktivizm ve dış politikaya post-Batı yaklaşımları bir araya getiren daha geniş bir kuramsal çerçeveye oturtulmaktadır. Yöntemsel olarak çalışma, birincil ve ikincil kaynaklara ek olarak Buenos Aires’te gerçekleştirilen özgün saha gözlemleri ve anonimleştirilmiş mülakatlara dayanan nitel ve karşılaştırmalı bir tasarım benimsemektedir. Makale ayrıca Türkiye’nin stratejisini Latin Amerika’daki Çin ve Rusya’nın devlet merkezli modelleriyle karşılaştırmaktadır. Bulgular, YEE’nin özellikle Arjantin ve Meksika’da Türk kültürünü tanıtma ve ikili ilişkileri güçlendirme konusunda etkin bir rol oynadığını göstermektedir; ancak yönetişim sorunları ve sınırlı kurumsal şeffaflık, Türkiye’nin yumuşak güç projeksiyonunun sürdürülebilirliğini kısıtlamaktadır. Çalışma, Türkiye’nin Güney-Güney kültürel etkileşiminde esnek ve ilişkisel bir model sunduğu sonucuna varmakta; ancak bu modelin kalıcılığı, daha yüksek düzeyde kurumsal profesyonelleşme, hesap verebilirlik ve stratejik tutarlılığa bağlıdır.

Keywords

• Türkiye
• Yumuşak Güç
• Kültürel Diplomasi
• Latin Amerika
• Kurumsal Yönetişim

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