The role of domestic leadership in the transformation of Turkish foreign policy : a case study of Erdogan’s response to the Syrian conflict

Abstract

This research elucidates the transformation of Turkiye’s foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, focusing on how Erdogan's leadership style in humanitarian diplomacy has influenced Turkiye's foreign policy transformation towards Syria. This study explores humanitarian diplomacy, leadership style, and factors that have driven Turkiye’s shift from a secular, Western-oriented policy to a more regional and proactive approach. By analyzing Erdogan’s speeches and Turkiye’s diplomatic action in Syria, this research incorporates perspectives from interviews with representatives of the AK Party, as well as Syrian refugees who have lived in Turkey for over a decade. The methodology utilizes Turkiye’s involvement in the Syrian crisis as a case study, examining how Erdogan frames his foreign policy and how this approach has reshaped the country’s relations within the region. Despite domestic opposition, resistance, and criticism, Erdogan’s foreign policy has strengthened Turkiye’s position in Syria. This research demonstrates that Erdogan’s leadership has been effective in providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees through his policies, despite internal and external challenges. Furthermore, the study offers a comprehensive analysis of the strategic motivations behind Turkey's rising influence in Syria and its broader implications for regional stability.