The Nature of the Political System and its Impact on Foreign Policy: Turkey under the Justice and Development Party as a Model

Abstract

The political system plays a key role in shaping a country's foreign policy, with its structure and internal dynamics acting as major influences. In Turkey’s case, the political landscape has significantly impacted its foreign policy direction. The rise of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2002 marked a pivotal shift, as the party, facing little opposition, formed successive governments that redefined Turkey’s external relations. Domestic political changes, particularly the transition to a presidential system, further centralized decision-making, positioning a single political figure at the helm of both domestic and foreign policy. This marked a departure from the more democratic framework Turkey had long promoted.

Additionally, regional and global developments have contributed to shifts in Turkish foreign policy. Events such as the Arab Spring (2011), the rise of ISIS (2014), the war in Ukraine, the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and efforts to curb Iranian influence in the Middle East—particularly after October 7, 2023—have all pressured Turkey to adapt. With the decline of Iranian power and the collapse of the Syrian regime, Turkey has actively sought to maintain its status as a regional and global player.

Given these developments, Turkey's foreign policy continues to evolve, closely tied to both internal political changes and shifting regional dynamics. Further transformations in the Middle East and beyond are likely to influence the domestic political trajectory of the Turkish state soon.