62
1. External factors
1 Nature of the World Economy
In this case, the factor of economy is the big factor in forming this Turkeys foreign policy. According to Holsti, trends and developments in the world
economy have more immediate impacts on the welfare policies of different countries. He also said that the government can obtain technical assistance from
another countries to develope trade commodities.
142
The European Union is one of the most important investment destination for Turkish companies. In 2012 there were about 150.000 Turkish entrepreneurs
operating in the European Union and employing over 600.000 workers.
143
The European market is also the most important area for Turkey to expand its market.
The establishment of the Customs Union between Turkey and the European Union has contributed tremendously in raising the competitiveness of Turkish
companies. Today, the EU is Turkeys number one import and export partner while Turkey ranks 7
th
in the EUs top import and 5th in export markets.
144
Table IV.A.1: EU-Turkey Trade In Goods statistics
Year EU Import
EU export Balance
2011 48,4
13,3 24,7
2012 48,6
75,4 26,8
2013 50,4
77,8 27,4
Source: European Commission statistic
145
142
Ibid, p: 273
143
European Commission, Mutual benefits of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, 1042014, [database online], available from:
http:europa.eurapidpress-release_SPEECH-14-317_en.htm , accessed at 9102014
144
Salen Akses, Implıcatıons Of Free Trade Agreements On Turkey-EU Customs Unıon
,2014, [article online], available
from http:diplomacyandforeignaffairs.comimplications-of-free-trade-agreements-on-turkey-eu-
customs-union , accessed at 19102014
145
European Commission Trade, Countries Regions-Turkey, 992014, [database online], available from http:ec.europa.eutradepolicycountries-and-regionscountriesturkey
, accessed at 10102014
63
The data above show the intensity of Turkish trade relation with EU in term of goods. Turkeys exports to the EU are mostly machinery and transport
equipment, followed by manufactured goods, while EU exports to Turkey are dominated by machinery and transport material, chemical products and
manufactured goods.
146
Those numbers is a very high number for Turkey and the EU in terms of bilateral trade. If Turkey finally got the status of EU membership,
Turkey could have reached the greater opportunity than this because Turkey will be included in the priority trade relations between the EU member states. The EU
will certainly prioritize and maximize the potential of its member countries in terms of trade relations. See the figure below.
Table: IV.A.2: Intra-EU exportsIntra-EU imports, 2012-2013
Source: Eurostat TET00039
146
Ibid
64
Table: IV.A.3: Extra-EU exportsExtra-EU imports, 2012-2013
Source: Eurostat TET00038
Table IV.A.4. Intra and extra EU-28 trade, 2013 imports plus exports, share of total trade
Source: Eurostat DS-018995
147
147
European Commission-Eurostat, International Trade in Goods, August 2014, [database online], available from: http:ec.europa.eueurostatstatistics-explainedindex.phpInternational_trade_in_goods
, 131214
65
The data above explained thefigure of trade within the member states of the EU and also between the membership of EU with non-member states in 2013.
These figures show that the number of trade within EU members is greater than the number of trade with non-EU member states. Trade in goods between EU
Member States intra-EU trade was valued at EUR 2839 billion in 2013 see table IV.A.2 while with extra-EU was valued EUR 1737.The number of export of
intra-EU trade was two thirds higher than the level recorded for exports from the EU-28 to non-member countries extra-
EU trade. The importance of the EU‟s internal market was underlined by the fact that intra-EU trade of goods was higher
than extra-EU trade for each EU Member State, with the exceptions of Greece and the United Kingdom see table IV.A.4. in contrast, the exports from the EU-28 to
non member states such as South Korea, Turkey and China grew more slowly up 5.8 , 3.1 and 3.0 .
148
Those figures shows that the EU member countries prioritize their trade relation more to the other EU member countries instead of non-member. It was
proved by the higher number of trade of intra-EU compared to extra-EU. In fact, by only becoming a privileged partner of the EU, Turkey will be able to establish
the economic cooperation with the EU, but the status of the European Union still more important for Turkey because the European Union will definitely prioritize
the economic needs of the member countries rather than other countries. If Turkey just stays as a partner of the EU, the economic relation particularly in the areas of
trade has not been fully guaranteed that Turkey will always be the EUs partner of trade. On the other hand, when Turkey became an official member of the
148
ibid
66
European Union, the trade networks with the EU member states will be widening and intense and it must be more profitable for Turkey bearing in mind that the
number of EU member state is 28 countries. Then the nature of the world economy is very strong factor for Turkey to keep waiting for the official status of
EU membership.
2 World Opinion
The world opinion also has big influence for some countries to determine their action as their foreign policy. World opinion is the expressions and stand point of
the other states about something. Today, with all the progress and stability of Turkey, this country has become a hot topic to be discussed among the countries
in the world. By this condition, many EU member states that had previously rejected Turkeys accession because of economic considerations turned into being
supporters. Until now, 23 of the 28 EU members that have previously been mentioned clearly declared their support for Turkeys accession to the EU. Those
states are: United Kingdom
149
, Italy
150
, Netherlands
151
, Luxembourg
152
, Sweden
153
, Portugal
154
, Finland
155
, Spain
156
, Bulgaria
157
, The Czech Republic
158
,
149
Parliament UK, “UK support for Turkeys EU membership”, UK-Turkey relations and Turkeys regional role - Foreign
Affairs Committee
, 2012,
[online database]
available from:
http:www.publications.parliament.ukpacm201012cmselectcmfaff1567156710.htm , accessed at 1482014
150
Emiliano ALE SSANDRI, “Italian-Turkish Relations: Potentials and Limits of a „Strategic Partnership‟”,
Center for Strategic Research, 2011, [online article] available from
http:sam.gov.tritalian-turkish-relations- potential-and-limits-of-a-strategic-partnership
, accessed at 1382014
151
Hurriyet daily News ,“Netherlands will welcome Turkey as an EU member state, Dutch FM says”
152
Presidency of the Republic of Turke y, “First Head-of-State Level Visit from Luxembourg to Turkey”, 2014,
[online database] available from http:www.tccb.gov.trnews39787801first-headofstate-level-visit-from-
luxembourg-to-turkey.html , accessed at 1582014
153
Embassy of Sweden for Turkey, Sweden Supports Turkey‟s Eu Membership, 2013 [online database] available
from http:www.swedenabroad.comPagesStandardPage.aspx?id=64189epslanguage=en-GB
, accessed at 1552014
154
Republic of Turkey-Ministary of Foreign Affair,Relation between Turkey and Portugal, 2011, [online database] available from:
http:www.mfa.gov.trrelations-between-turkey-and-portugal.en.mfa , accessed at
1582014
155
Anadolu Agency, Finland reaffirms support for Turkeys EU bid, 2013, [online article] available from: http:www.aa.com.trennews147501--finland-once-reaffirms-support-for-turkeys-eu-bid
, accessed at 1682014
67
Estonia
159
, Latvia
160
, Lithuania
161
, Poland
162
, Malta
163
, Belgium
164
, Hungary
165
, Denmark
166
, Ireland
167
, Greece
168
, Slovakia
169
, Slovenia
170
, and Rumania
171
. While the countries that are still refusing are Germany
172
, France
173
,Austria
174
,
156
Sundays Zaman, “Spain continues to support Turkey‟s European Union membership bid”, 2010, [online article] available from:
http:www.todayszaman.comtz-webnews-202446-spain-continues-to-support-turkeys- european-union-membership-bid.html
, accessed at 1582014
157
Novinite, “FM: Bulgaria Supports Turkey EU membership”, 2012 [online article] available from http:www.novinite.comarticles144757FM3A+Bulgaria+Supports+Turkey+EU+Membership
, accessed at 1582014
158
Republic of Turkey-Ministary of Foreign Affair, Relation between Turkey and Czech Republic, 2011, [online database] available from:
http:www.mfa.gov.trrelations-between-turkey-and-Czech Republic.en.mfa , accessed
at 1582014
159
Republic of Estonia Government, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip: Estonia supports Turkey‟s accession to the
European Union , 2013 [online database] available from
https:valitsus.eeennewsprime-minister-andrus-ansip- estonia-supports-turkeys-accession-european-union
, accessed at 1582014
160
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The Republic Of Latvia, Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs: Latvia supports Turkey‟s
European Union membership , 2011, [online database], available from
http:www.mfa.gov.lvennewspress- releases2011november10-2
, accessed at 1582014
161
Turkish Press, Latvia and Lithuania support Turkeys EU membership process, 2013, [online article] available from:
http:www.turkishpress.comnews383752 , accessed at 1782014
162
“Poland supports Turkeys EU bid: president”,English People‟s Daily online,2011, [online article] available from
http:english.people.com.cn9000190777908537402536.html , accessed at 1782014
163
Bianca Caruana, “Malta supports Turkey‟s accession into EU”, Malta Today,2012, [online article] available from
http:www.maltatoday.com.mtnewsnational17413malta-supports-turkey-s-accession-into-eu- 20120412.VAJ9wNe1ZaY
, accessed at 1682014
164
Republic of Turkey-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Relations between Turkey and Belgium, n.d on-line database; available from http:www.mfa.gov.trrelations-between-turkey-and-belgium.en.mfa; accessed at
1682014
165
Republic of Turkey-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Relations between Turkey and Hungary, n.d on-line database; available from http:www.mfa.gov.trrelations-between-turkey-and-hungary.en.mfa; , accessed at
1582014
166
Republic of Turkey-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Relations between Turkey and Denmark, n.d on-line database; available from http:www.mfa.gov.trrelations-between-turkey-and-denmark.en.mfa; accessed at
1682014
167
Republic of Turkey-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Relations between Turkey and Ireland, n.d on-line database; available from http:www.mfa.gov.trrelations-between-turkey-and-ireland.en.mfa; accessed at
1682014
168
“Issues of Greek - Turkish Relations”, Hellenic Republic-Ministry of Foreign Affair,2014, [online database] available from
http:www.mfa.grenissues-of-greek-turkish-relations , accessed at 3182014
169
Todays Zaman, “Turkey, Slovakia to further strengthen ties during Erdoğans visit”, 2013, [online article], available from
http:www.todayszaman.comnews-306056-turkey-slovakia-to-further-strengthen-ties-during- erdogans-visit.html
, accessed at 1582014
170
Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, President Gül Points to Strong Turkish-Slovenian Bilateral Relations, 2014, [online database] available from
http:www.tccb.gov.trnews39788252president-gul-points-to-strong- turkishslovenian-bilateral-relations.html
, accessed at 1582014
171
Todays Zaman, “Romanian leader urges EU to send positive signals to Turkey”, 2011, [online article] available from:
http:www.todayszaman.comnews-265399-romanian-leader-urges-eu-to-send-positive-signals- to-turkey.html
, accessed at 1582014
172
Katrin Böttger, Turkey Watch EU Member States‟ Perception on Turkish Accession to the EU-Germany, A
publication of the Center for European Studies, Middle East Technical University, 2019, p: 36, [online journal] available from
http:sinan.ces.metu.edu.trdosyaturkey_watch_en.pdf ,
accessed at 1382014
173
Nicolas Monceau, Turkey Watch EU Member States‟ Perception on Turkish Accession to the EU-France, p:
20
174
Cengiz Günay, Turkey Watch EU Member States‟ Perception on Turkish Accession to the EU-Austria, p:118
68
and Cyprus
175
. The reason of their support is Tu rkey‟s maturity in economic field
and his strategic position to connect the interests of the Western and the Eastern community that will bring benefit for EU.
The world opinion that says that Turkey is one of the countries whose economy is going to the top of the world
176
and also the support of the EU member countries for Turkeys accession have been influencing Turkey in making
the policy of keep pursuing the membership status. Those supports and opinions about Turkish economic maturiry definitely make Turkey more confident and
optimist to get the membership status of EU. This what actually construct the Turkeys foreign policy to keep waiting for European Union member states status
although it has been 56 years for Turkey to wait for.
3 Structure of the System
According to Holsti, the structure of power in international system influences the range of foreign policy strategies of some countries.
177
Today, the multipolar system has become a global reality which means that there are a number of
influential actors in the international circumstance. The constructed system today is a globalization product which brings the potential countries in the world
compete the US to be the other superpower countries, among those countries are China, Rusia, India, etc.
178
This situation certainly makes the US more vigorously defends its position by any way to keep the status as the only superpower country
in the world. One of the ways is by forming the alliances and maintaining the
175
Costas Melakopides, Turkey Watch EU Member St ates‟ Perception on Turkish Accession to the EU-Greek
Cyprot Perception, p: 133
176
Daniel Dombey, Six Market To Watch: Turkey, Foreign Affairs. Accessed at 12122014
177
K.J Holsti, International Politics : A Framework for Analysis, p: 271
178
Elizabeth Dickinson, How the multipolar world came to be, 19102014, [article online], available from: http:www.foreignpolicy.comarticles20091019new_order
, accessed at 12102014
69
diplomatic relations by establishing the cooperation and giving the aid to strategic and influential countries in the world in order to gain their support for the US in
any circumstance. One of those strategic states is Turkey. Turkey is potential and strategic country for its location between the Eastern
and Western countries. Turkey has good proximity with the Western, Asian, and Middle East countries. This is why the big countries were interested to take
Turkey as a partner and alliance; they see that they can reach their national interest through Turkey. As what Russia and China did that they ever invited
Turkey to be a dialogue partner in the defense pact aiming to rival NATO which is known by Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This pact consists of China,
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
179
This case clearly shows the existence and credibility of Turkey as potential country in the world.
In the other side, the United States of America, a superpower country, also keep its proximity with Turkey to utilize them to pursue the US interests in the
Eastern countries particularly the Middle East considering that Turkey has an intensive closeness with those countries. One of the ways of US to maintain his
good relation with Turkey is by becoming a non-EU supporting country for Turkish accession in EU.
180
Although the US is not an EU country, US support is very important for the accession of Turkey as it is a powerful country that has
close relation with the European Union countries. Then the US support is
179
Zachary Keck , Turkey Renews Plea to Join Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Diplomat, december 1.
2013. Available
from: http:thediplomat.com201312turkey-renews-plea-to-join-shanghai-cooperation-
organization ,
180
Hurriyet Daily News, US Lawmakers Urge President Obama To Back Turkeys EU Bid, 2008, available from:
http:www.hurriyet.com.trenglishworld11344770.asp , 10122014
70
expected to influence the EU member countries and Parliament to accelerate Turkeys accession.
181
Since the late 1980s and early, the US has been a great supporter of closer EU-Turkey ties. More specifically, throughout the Clinton, Bush, and now Obama
administration, the US has frequently voiced its preference for Turkey‟s EU
accession.
182
In support of Turkey‟s European Integration, the US has set a variety of arguments and has attempted to influence EU decision at critical moments
during Turkey‟s accession to Europe. American influence on Turkey‟s relationship with Europe has been direct and indirect. The US has played the key
role in shaping Turkey‟s self-representation in Europe. The US has also influenced Turkey‟s domestic political evolution, turkey‟s foreign and defense
policies, and also in Turkish national security question such as Cyprus, the Kurdish, and the Armenian matters. All these issues have had considerable impact
on Turkey‟s relation with the EU. The role of US is a key element in the dynamic between Turkey and the EU.
183
The current world system has brought an impact on Turkeys foreign policy toward the European Union, especially regarding the accession. The multipolar
system which makes some countries such as the US, Russia, and China compete for being the super power of the world makes Turkey become one of the most
important country for them due to its strategic territory. Those countries require Turkey to gain their national interests. The Russia sees Turkey as not only a key
181
Nathalie Tocci, Turkey‟s European Future: behind the scenes of America‟s Influence on EU-Turkey Relation,
New York University Press, 20111 p: 20
182
Sabri Sayari, The United States and Turkeys Membership In The European Union, The Turkish Year Book, vol: xxxiv, p: 168, accessed from:
http:dergiler.ankara.edu.trdergiler446748589.pdf , 161214
183
Nathalie Tocci, Turkey‟s European Future: behind the scenes of America‟s Influence on EU-Turkey Relation,
p: 32-35
71
market and service provider, but also as an attractive counterterrorism partner in the strategically important Caucasus region as well as the Middle East.
184
For China, Turkey is a critical partner not only in economic development but also in
national security concerning the critical issue of Xinjiang. China needs intensive support and close cooperation from Turkey to deal with the “East Turkestan”
problem.
185
While US needs Turkey for its interest in the Middle East in which the example is about the Syrian case and countering terrorism.
186
Turkey is very important for world peace as it was also stated by the Nobel Peace Prize
ceremony, Thorbjørn Jagland, who is also the secretary-general of the Council of Europe.
187
By this condition, Turkey feels that it self is needed by the world and it could be a great bargaining power for the accession to EU.
Among those super power countries, only the US that has the longest and closest proximity with EU. The US needs Turkey as well as Turkey needs US.
Turkey needs US to support Turkey in the accession and it has been happening. The US is the non-EU country that has big influence in Turkeys accession.
Turkey is very confident that the US would greatly help Turkey to get the status of EU membership. Thus Turkey believes sooner or later the EU will accept
184
Paul Saunders, Russia Pulse, AlMonitor-The Pulse of The Middle East,[online article], available from: http:www2.al-monitor.compulseoriginals201411russia-turkey-political-ties.html
, 131214
185
The East Turkestan Islamic Movement ETIM is a Muslim separatist group founded by militant Uighurs, members of the Turkic-speaking ethnic majority in northwest Chinas Xinjiang province. The U.S. treasury
department listed ETIM as terrorist organization
in 2002 during a period of increased U.S.-Chinese cooperation on antiterrorism in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The group and its ties to Muslim
fundamentalism have compounded Chinese concerns about the rising threat of terrorism within the country as its restive western regions faced a spate of terrorist attacks in 2014.
Todays Zaman, Turkey-China Ready To Strengthen already Close Ties, [online article], available from:
http:www.todayszaman.comnational_turkey-china-ready-to-strengthen-already-close-ties_270495.html ,
121214
186
Anne Gearan, Turkey will play important role in combating Islamic State, U.S. officials say, Washington Post, September 2012, [online article], available from:
http:www.washingtonpost.comworldmiddle_eastus- expands-aid-funding-for-refugee-crisis-in-syria2014091297282b20-3a6b-11e4-8601-
97ba88884ffd_story.html , 121214
187
Todays Zaman, Nobel Committee to EU: Turkey very important for world peace, 101212, available from: http:www.todayszaman.comdiplomacy_nobel-committee-to-eu-turkey-very-important-for-world-
peace_300756.html , 121214
72
Turkey as a member because of the importance of Turkey for the world and because of the pressure from the US. Therefore the confidence as an important
country in the world system and the support from the US have become the factors of Turkeys persistence for the accession.
2. Domestic Factors