Security of Turkey with Respect to the Middle East

Abstract

In this paper the security of Turkey with respect to Syria, Iraq and Iran is examined. A theoretical model is presented for analyzing the security of Turkey. This model emphasizes the power and in particular the military power for interpreting and predicting the security of a state. Consistent with the theoretical framework that the security model provides, developments in the military power, population and economic power of Turkey in relation to Syria, Iraq, and Iran are discussed

Keywords

• Security, Turkey, Middle East, military power, economic power, population

References

1. The model can be considered as a realist type. For a discussion of realism, see, for example, John J. Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, New York, W.W. Norton, 2001. The model is consistent with the traditional rather than the expanded approaches to security. For a discussion of alternative security concepts, see, Benjamin Miller, “The Concept of Security: Should it be Redefined?”, The Journal of Strategic Studies, Vol.24, No.2 (June 2001), pp.11-42.
2. See, Stephen F. Larrabee, Troubled Partnership, U.S. – Turkish Relations in an Era of Global Geopolitical Change, Santa Monica, CA., RAND, 2010; a further discussion of this view available at http://www. rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG899/ [last visited 25 April 2011].
3. For the potential role of the F-35 for the NATO/US deterrent, see, Nuclear Posture Review Report, US Department of Defense, (April 2010).