Türkiye’s Public Diplomacy Tools in Central Asia: An Inter-Institutional Comparative Analysis

Authors : İbrahim Halil Yaşar
Pages : 167-188
Doi:10.54722/iletisimvediplomasi.1785337
View : 223 | Download : 511
Publication Date : 2025-12-25
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This study analyzes Turkiye\\\'s public diplomacy activities in Central Asia from a theoretical perspective and in a comparative manner. In this context, Turkiye\\\'s initiatives in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are examined within the framework of Nye\\\'s conceptualization of soft power, Cull\\\'s typology of public diplomacy, and Zaharna\\\'s network-based diplomacy approach. The study aims to reveal that public diplomacy is not only image management but also a functional foreign policy tool in the context of identity construction and the production of strategic legitimacy. The research is based on Yin\\\'s case study approach and the most similar systems design method. Reports from institutions such as TIKA, the Yunus Emre Institute, the Turkiye Maarif Foundation, YTB, TRT Avaz, and the Anadolu Agency, as well as media content and secondary literature, were used as primary data sources. The reliability of the data was enhanced through triangulation. The findings indicate that Turkiye\\\'s public diplomacy is concentrated primarily on the axes of educational diplomacy and cultural diplomacy, with support from media diplomacy and development aid. Institutions such as Hoca Ahmet Yesevi and Manas Universities, scholarship programs, and the Yunus Emre Institute are concrete reflections of Nye\\\'s attraction-based power concept in the field. However, corporate coordination deficiencies, budget transparency issues, and competition with actors such as Russia and China are factors that limit Turkiye\\\'s effectiveness. On the other hand, this research demonstrates that Turkiye\\\'s multi-actor and holistic approach to public diplomacy in Central Asia serves to build regional identity and produce long-term strategic legitimacy. It thus offers a unique contribution to the relevant literature and provides strategic insights for policymakers.
Keywords : kamu diplomasisi, Orta Asya, karşılaştırmalı analiz, yumuşak güç, Ağ temelli diplomasi

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