Pragmatic Entente: Turkey's Growing Relations With Israel

摘要

For the past decade, the international political system has undergone a significant transformation as it has tried to adjust to the end of the bipolar world. The post-Cold War era has allowed individual states more freedom of maneuver in implementing foreign policy initiatives and one of the most ambitious states in this regard has been the Republic of Turkey. Turkey has initiated several bold initiatives that have all experienced varying degrees of success. However, the initiative that has created the most controversy is Turkey's increasing cooperation with Israel. This study reveals what has been officially agreed upon by the two countries in terms of military, economic and political relations and traces the history of Turkish-Israeli relations from 1948 to the present. In the course of this discussion, the vital role of the United States becomes apparent as well as both countries' turbulent regional relations. It is these regional relations, this study argues, that has given Turkey and Israel primary motive for entering into closer cooperation. In almost all fields, cooperation between Turkey and Israel has increased and many states that perceive themselves threatened by this relationship have labeled it an alliance that threatens the entire Middle East. There are several potential impediments to continued Turkish- Israeli cooperation but none serious enough to significantly hinder relations. Thus, Turkey and Israel are in a position to dramatically influence Middle Eastern politics in the years ahead. It is therefore imperative for both countries to act cautiously and bring about a more prosperous Middle East where regional cooperation replaces political rivalry.