The position of Turkey in the international system evolving into polycentricity

Dating back to the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, the international system has evolved into different forms over time, including multipolar (1648-1945), bipolar (1945-1990), unipolar (1990-2010), and polycentric (post-2010). During this period, the concept of "polarization" has emerged as a dominant concept. At the forefront of polarization has always been geo-strategy and military power as its main realizer. This has led to a top-down (vertical) hierarchy in inter-state relations and a big-state-small state classification. Since the 2010s, the concept of centralization has come to the fore instead of polarization. In contrast to polarization, in centralization, a parallel rather than hierarchical structure emerges, and economic cooperation and diplomacy are supported rather than military power. When we look at the Turkish literature, it is seen that studies on polycentrism are almost non-existent. From this point of view, in this study, the difference between multipolarity and polycentricity along with international systems has been put forward and it has been tried to understand what Turkey's position is and will be in the international system that has evolved into polycentricity. This study, which is analyzed within the framework of Realism, Idealism and Neo Liberalism theories, is divided into four main sections. In the first part, the rationale of the problem, the purpose, importance and limitations of the study are given. In the second part, issues related to the recognition of international systems and the factors affecting them are examined. In the third chapter, the phases of the international system up to the present day and the important events affecting the system are mentioned. In the fourth chapter, the position of the Republic of Turkey in the international system since its establishment and the process it has gone through by addressing the important events that have taken place are examined. In the conclusion, the information obtained was evaluated and conclusions were made about the current stage of the international system and what Turkey should do regarding its position in this system. In conclusion, it can be said that Turkey, which has been at the center of polarization in the historical process, will be one of the leading actors of the international system, which has evolved into a polycentric one, by seizing the opportunities arising from its geo-strategic position and increasing economic power.