An Analysis of Atatürk's Foreign Policy 1919-1938

Authors : Ömer Kürkçüoğlu

Pages : 133-187

Doi:10.1501/Intrel_0000000237

View : 13 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 1980-05-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Turkey, being located in between the Western and the Eastern worlds, has been for many centuries a bridge connecting the two worlds. 'l'urkey's geographical location alone has provided attraction for international rivalry. This factor by itself gave Turkey possibilities to play off one rival against the other in the last century of the Ottoman period. As amatter of fact, no single power could stand against the rivalry of so many great powers by military means alone. Diplomacy was an inalienable means of safeguarding the sovereignty of any such nation which was the centre of attraction of such extensive international rivalry. it is therefore understandable why many foreign scholars have often described the Turks as "born diplomat~". Indeed, the Turks being in the easternmost of the West and in the westernmost of the East have acquired both the Western talents and the Eastern virtues. In the XIX. century, for. instance, Turkish diplomats like the Foreign Minister Keçecizade Fuat Paşa rightfully won the admiration of many foreign colleagues.
Keywords : An Analysis, Atatürk, Foreign Policy