A STRATEGIC OVERVIEW OF TURKEY

Abstract

The world is undergoing rapid and tremendous changes in the post-Cold War era. Its unique location, vigorous market economy, well-established tradition of co-operating with the West and large armed forces, second in size after the US in NATO, makes Turkey a geo-strategic player in world affairs. The geopolitically important area called the heartland of Eurasia, located on the periphery of Turkey, has always been a centre of world politics. Turkey’s unique location provides certain leverages for international influence. Turkey is centrally situated between Europe, where much of the world’s political and economic power is concentrated, and Asia, which has lately become a vital centre of economic growth and rising political influence. Turkey fully supports the Middle East Peace Process by maintaining a balanced position that considers the legal rights and interests of all parties. Steadily increasing relations between two democratic countries of the region, Turkey and Israel, are expected to give momentum to the peace and stability efforts in the area.