Proceedings of the 12th International Academic Conference, Prague

HUMAN RIGHTS IN FOREIGN POLICY: THE CASE OF TURKEY

NEZIR AKYESILMEN

Abstract:

This study argues that since the transition to democracy Turkey's foreign policy has gradually shifted from a traditional realpolitic understanding , to human rights understanding, as well as accepting international and regional patrolling of its domestic human rights situation. Turkey has traditionally been viewed human rights with suspicious as a means for foreign intervention in domestic affairs. However, as Turkey has democratized the engagement with human rights has increased. The EU membership process, zero problems with neigbours, pecae process regarding the Kurdish question, legal and political reforms in recent years and active foreign policy in the Middle-east are some examples of the ehgagements. However, Turkey's foreign policy regarding human rights remains unclear with some contradictions. This is because of some internal and external factors, including: continuing human rights violations; slowing down of democratization process; Arab spring in recent years etc. Hence more, Turkey has been quite selective in applying human rights in foreign policy.

Keywords: Human Rights, Foreign Policy, Turkey

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