| ID | 088530 |
| Title Proper | Turkic alliance |
| Other Title Information | possible alternative to Turkey's unrealized EU membership |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Varbanets, Pavel |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | For many years now the Turkish political elite has been convinced that the country's EU membership would be the logical conclusion to the modernization processes launched by Kemal Atatürk. Until recently this trend was vehemently opposed only by the extreme right nationalists, who had no real popular support inside the country. The Turkish Islamists, on the other hand, have not merely moved away from their traditional opposition to Europe, they have grasped the advantages of European integration that promised to relieve them of the rigid control imposed by the military.
Its firm dedication to EU membership has been keeping the ruling pro-Islamic Justice and Development Party in power for over six years. European integration remains the pivot of the country's foreign policy course. The recent decisions of France and Austria to put the Turkish question up for discussion at national referendums nearly buried Turkey's prospects for EU membership. Sooner or later the Turks will have to accept the fact that they should look for their foreign policy pivots elsewhere. Close cultural and historical ties and common economic interests make the Turkic world a logical choice. |
| `In' analytical Note | Central Asia and the Caucasus No.55; 2009: p57-63 |
| Journal Source | Central Asia and the Caucasus No.55; 2009: p57-63 |
| Key Words | Turkey Alliance ; E U - Turkey ; Europian Member - Turkey |