Western Balkans in "Turkey's strategic vision"

In: Međunarodni problemi: International problems, Band 62, Heft 4, S. 691-714

Abstract

The changes in internal and external policies are under way in Turkey. The
secular state was threatened what has been followed by the process of
revitalization and affirmation of the Islamic tradition in Turkey. The state
project ?Turkey?s Strategic Vision 2023? has been worked out. It provides
increase in its power that would turn Turkey from a regional power into a
global factor. This requires radical changes in its foreign policy. Apart
from the Islamic factor, Turkey?s plans are based on the geopolitical
position of this country that sees itself as a hub of energy flows and the
future centre of the three continents - Africa, Asia, and Europe. One of the
steps towards those changes is the process of desecuritasion and
securitization that includes revitalization of the religious factor. Radical
changes in the Turkish foreign policy also include the Western Balkans as one
the priorities of its close surroundings.