Analysis of Turkey-Syria relations from the perspective of core-periphery theory and worldsystems theory's concept of semi-periphery: Dynamics and interactions during 2002-2025

This study examines interactions between Turkey and Syria from 2002 to 2025 through the lenses of center–periphery theory and the semiperiphery/periphery tiers of the worldsystem hierarchy. It addresses the questions: "Why and how has Turkey remained a semiperipheral state while Syria has remained peripheral, and which foreign policy choices has this asymmetric positioning triggered in their bilateral relations?" The analysis begins in 2002, when the Justice and Development Party's "zero problems with neighbors" doctrine initiated the first intensive normalization with Damascus in three decades, and ends in 2025, by which time postcivilwar multipolar dynamics and cautious reengagement efforts had matured. Designed as a qualitatively oriented case study within an interpretivehistorical framework, the research employs process tracing, document analysis, and thematic content analysis of diplomatic archives, Turkish Grand National Assembly proceedings, media reports, and trade data. Findings reveal that Turkey's semiperipheral position compels a flexible alliance–selective autonomy balance shaped by the agendas of core actors (the United States, the European Union, Russia). The initial 2002-2011 rapprochement gave way to a more interventionist, securitydriven posture as Syria's civil war deepened, directly influencing Turkey through refugee flows, border security challenges, and regional proxy conflicts. Multilateral initiatives such as the Astana Process have bolstered Ankara's mediating role but remain circumscribed by core powers' interests and the stances of multiple Syrian actors. In conclusion, a semiperiphery/periphery interaction framework offers a comprehensive basis for understanding Turkey's foreignpolicy choices and its relationship with Syria. By simultaneously analyzing migration, trade, and border security dimensions, the study provides an integrated empirical contribution that overcomes the fragmented treatment of these issues in existing scholarship.