Description
The scientific aim of this proposed paper is to analyze and evaluate actions taken by Turkey’s leading politicians with regard to the Western Balkan states (i.e. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002, Turkey has attempted to increase its international influence through diplomatic, economic and cultural measures. Western Balkans region, with which Turks have historical and ethnic ties, is one of the key areas in the AKP's doctrine. Adopting image theory in international relations as the theoretical foundation, this research examines implementation of Turkish foreign policy in the Western Balkans in times of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic.
By employing available original Turkish sources (academic publications, public reports, press releases), the main objectives of Turkey's political strategy towards the region have been determined. Detailed analysis of official statements and speeches of Turkish policy-makers was also fundamental in this study. In this context, the values and symbols to which the AKP government refers in its activities in the Western Balkans are identified. Based on content analysis, comparative analysis, political discourse analysis and process-tracing method, this research seeks to explain the rationale of Turkish actions in recent months. As a conclusion, future prospects for Turkey’s involvement in the Western Balkans are presented and discussed.
Keywords: Turkish foreign policy, Western Balkans, regional cooperation, COVID-19 pandemic
