Session: Government
Stevens Institute of Technology & Beykent University
May 14, 2004

Turkish-American Relations on the
Threshold of the 21st Century

Presentation by Prof. Dr. Nevzat YALÇINTAS

Photographs by Marta CURRY

Introduction

Incontestably, the international system is currently undergoing a transformation incomparable in content and speed to previous ages, which I believe poised to shape the future of humankind. Global dynamics that trigger and sustain the impetus for this process are well known: On the one hand we have challenges and scourges such as regional conflicts, ethnic strife, international terrorism, proliferation of WMD, mass migrations, organized crime etc. On the other hand, promising developments help us preserve our hope for a better planet: In global terms, democracy is now accepted as the noblest political regime. Respect for human rights and rule of law is irreversibly increasing. Free trade is favored more than ever. Concepts like good governance or accountability sprout even in the most unexpected countries.

There are many good reasons to be optimistic or pessimistic about for the years to come. Without any intention to meddle in the works of futurologists, I would simply like to argue the following: Transformation also means uncertainty. In transitory periods, institutions tend to prepare themselves for the possible outcome. They take stock. As far as other institutions like States or Governments are concerned, I an even argue that "international relations" as we know it today, may need to be redefined. Therefore, these are testing times for countries and partnerships.

In this context, finding an answer to the question whether Turkish-American relations are well placed to face current challenges and benefit from the opportunities of this transitory complexity, is important. I believe the best answer lies in the history of an enduring friendship, namely Turkish-American partnership.

Therefore, in my presentation, I would like to share with you the historical background of the Turkish-American relationship, with emphasis on recent developments and try to attest that this partnership has a lot to offer in terms of building a safer and better future for the transatlantic community and beyond.

Late 18th, 19th and Early 20th Centuries: First encounters

The first Turkish-American encounters took place in North Africa during the last decades of the 18th century, when visits by American ships at the North African ports of the Ottoman Empire designed mainly for maritime commerce, were paid. These encounters resulted in signing of some agreements, which were the only non-English treaties the US has ever signed!

In the first half of the 19th century, the Ottomans needed to establish new alliances and to find a problem-free weapon supplier in their quest to modernize the army. The Ottoman State was under severe pressure both from within and without. Hence, the Ottoman-American contacts were intensified and a trade and friendship agreement was signed on May 7, 1830. The first American charge d'affaires assumed his tenure in Istanbul on August 11, 1831. From 1839 until the assignment of the first American ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in 1906, the diplomatic presence of the US was held by minister - counsellors. Minister-counsellor Eduard Blacq Bey was the first Ottoman diplomat to assume his duty in Washington in 1867. Although the political relations were not substantial due to different strategic vocations. In 1876, the US became the third largest market for Turkish products.

US declaration of war on Germany affected the US-Ottoman diplomatic relations that were officially interrupted in April 1917. The US closely observed the Turkish national struggle led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The diplomatic relations, this time between the young Republic of Turkey and the US, resumed in 1927 through an exchange of Notes. Although some technical agreements were concluded, political contacts were still at an insufficient level during 1930's.

Turkish Participants of the conference at the Stevens's Campus in Hoboken
where accross Manhattan and by the Hudson River.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat YALÇINTAS (from right to left: second)

W.W.II to 21 Century

In spite of a two centuries long history, the BI-polarization process, the American leadership of the Western world and the Turkish perception of Russian threat during the Cold War years, combined all together in the post World War-II era, constituted the core of the Turkish-American relationship in the historical background. American strategy towards Turkey formalized with the Grumman Doctrine and the Marshall Aid. Turkey's participation in the Korean War and her accession to NATO followed by the signing of bilateral agreements on defense matters authorizing the US to deploy troops in turkey in the 1950's enabled the mostly around the security and defense pillar until the late 80's when a new world order emerged. Nonetheless, the two countries political conjuncture, the internal dynamics of Turkey and Cyprus problem.

Since the second half of the 80's, cress long-term perspectives have been reciprocally developed upon strategic criteria in the American and Turkish foreign policy mechanisms. The political transformation in Eurasian geographies, the consolidation of the Uses super power identity in international arena, the intensified Turkish focus on its hinterland being the Balkans, Black Sea, Caucus and Central Asia as well as the liberalization of the Turkish economy did inevitably facilitate this process.

In the early 90's, both countries went on to improve their relations upon a more realistic ground and they developed a new concept called "Enhanced Partnership." Thereafter, the priorities of Turkish foreign policy converging with the American strategic projections channeled Turkey and the US to assume the "Five Part Agenda" approach in December 1998 to put forward a "road map" for their relations. The "Five Part Agenda" provided both countries the opportunity to compile and conduct their relationship under five major headings, namely:

* Economy and trade
* Energy
* Regional Cooperation
* Defense and Security
* Cyprus

As a result of this action plan, mutual visits gained momentum and common projects matured; hence the concept of strategic partnership was started to be pronounced. Strategic partnership means a multidimensional and multi-directional strategic cooperation between the partners. Consequently, the resemblance both countries" approaches bear towards international problems and the convergence in their strategic visions that essentially aim at a freer and liberal world, crystallized in the late 90's.

In short, I argue that Turkish-American relationship is one that has stood the test of time and has remained strong, gathering both breath and depth over the years. I believe that to view the recent regional developments and related challenges more closely will help us better comprehend this argument.

Iraq, today, is passing through a difficult period. These days are crucial both for the Iraqi people and the international community. Turkey concentrates all of its reconstruction efforts, be them economic, political or social towards the objective of helping Iraq to stand on its own feet sooner than later. Since the cessation of major hostilities, Turkey has become one of the main arteries funneling humanitarian aid to Iraq. I find quite legitimate the concerns regarding the dismemberment of Iraq that may destabilize the region as a whole. The primary interest of the region is closely linked to a territorially integral, politically united, secure and stable Iraq.

As seen in the Iraqi case, Turkey is directly influenced by developments in the Middle East. A more democratic, free, open, peaceful Middle East that is well-governed and functions efficiently in economic terms is in everyone's interest. Therefore, the ideas which encourage positive change in the Middle East and the related initiatives which offer important opportunities should be supported. However, if these initiatives are not implemented well or are not well received in the region, they carry the risk of creating new unintended problems. To increase the chances of success and to avoid disappointment, careful planning, inclusive voluntary participation and a partnership approach should be the way forward. Imposition will certainly be counterproductive. The effort should also be comprehensive, including political, economic, cultural, educational and security dimensions. However, taking into account that too much emphasis on the security dimension will be unhelpful, the cultural and political sensitivities in the region should not be overlooked, either.

One may argue that the reform in the region must not be held hostage to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Realistically, however, no regional project can succeed while the Palestinian issue remains unaddressed. At a minimum, a reasonable parallelism between the two can be sought. Also, realistically speaking, if things do not improve in Iraq, the work on reforming the region will be all the more difficult.

The Middle East should not be allowed to become the subject of new differences between Europe and the US. In fact, the initiatives for the Middle East could provide an opportunity to strengthen and to restore the right in the transatlantic vision. To this end, NATO and the EU can also embark on a common strategic vision. Turkey has been able to build up its economic and political structures with its own resources and without any anti-occidental approach. While Turkey is a member of the European family, we also have strong cultural and friendship bonds with the countries of the Middle East. Thus, Turkey can play a facilitating role in the transformation of the Middle East.

The geopolitical importance of a NATO member and EU candidate Turkey, supported with the role she plays in the Balkans, Mediterranean and Black Sea basins, Middle East, Central Asia, and Caucasus imply a primordial strategic asset for the US. On the other hand, US and Turkey, like other countries, posses diverse socioeconomic and political structures and pursue different national interests. All these dissimilarities taken into account, one should admit that the present relationship requires effort to be strengthened and solidified, especially in economic and commercial areas.

Conclusion

Turkish-American relationship is essential for maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity as well as preservation of freedom and democracy in the wider geographies of mutual concern. Hence, Turkey and the US should continue to closely consult, coordinate and cooperate with each other, as appropriate, in conflict prevention and crisis management, containment of regional conflicts, preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and combating international terrorism and extrernism of all sorts, illegal drug trafficking and other manifestations of organized transnational crime.

In spite of the difficulties that both countries occasional go through, I would assess that the strong friendship and partnership between both countries is based on mutual understanding. The collaboration between Turkey and the super Boer of the world can contribute considerable assets for global peace and stability in a fragile geography as well as for the transatlantic relations, which are in systemic transiton.

--- The Major Turkish - American Relationships Conference at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, http://www.stevens.edu/main/home; between May 12 - 14, 2004 was organized incorporation with Beykent University, Istanbul; http://www.beykent.edu.tr