Is Turkey a threat or a bridge? : Turkey's relations with Iran and relevant perceptions of Turkey's changing foreign policy

Absztrakt (kivonat)

Particularly in the last decade has Turkey become an increasingly important in the international arena. It adopts a zero-problem towards neighbours foreign policy and acts as a conflict-manager. The AKP's new foreign policy approach also seeks dialogue and strong ties with Iran. The European Union's, the United States' and the Middle Eastern perceptions with regards to Turkey's foreign policy are surveyed. Particular focus is put on Turkish-Iranian relations when analysing these perceptions. The research methodology is based on the constructivist school of international political theory. Historical events and developments strongly influence current domestic and foreign policy. Despite the principle of appropriateness, the system of international relations is dynamic. Turkey will become a power to be reckoned with in the sphere of international relations in the Middle East. Its current zero-problem policy in foreign affairs will create a firm basis for future negotiations. The accession of Turkey into the European Union could become a decisive factor in rift or rapprochement between the Western and Arab world. Future research should importance for the Arab world on Turkey's accession into the European Union and what would be its implications in the relations between those entities. This paper is commissioned by the Corvinus University of Budapest to meet the requirements of the MA programme.