The Other Face of Turkey's Foreign Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Soft Power Policy in Somalia

Authors : Sümer Esin Şenyurt, Murat Özay Taşkın

Pages : 19-36

View : 100 | Download : 53

Publication Date : 2024-04-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Sub-Saharan Africa, continues to play an important role in the geopolitical landscape due to its abundant natural resources, thriving human capital and growing influence in international politics. This importance has not gone unnoticed by Turkey as it seeks to strengthen its global position and position itself as a regional powerhouse. Recognizing the enormous potential of Africa and more specifically the critical importance of Somalia, Turkey adopted a soft power strategy to increase its influence in the continent, especially after the devastating famine in Somalia in 2011. By providing emergency humanitarian assistance and supporting Somalia\'s recovery and state-building efforts, Turkey has played a key role in the country\'s reintegration into the global community. This engagement marks an important milestone in Turkey\'s engagement with Somalia and underscores a broader commitment under the African Opening Policy, which gained momentum in the late 1990s and escalated after 2005. Over the past years, Turkey has developed a solid and enduring partnership with Africa, supporting its economic and political presence with soft power initiatives in the fields of culture, education, health and religion.
Keywords : Foreign policy, Soft power, Sub Saharan Africa, Turkey, Somalia

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