Turkish-German commercial relations during World War II: A focus on chromium mining

The two countries, having been allies in World War I, experienced a period of diplomatic and commercial stagnation due to the economic devastation caused by the war. However, their relations began to revive in 1923. With Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933, Germany's expansionist and militaristic policies led to a transformation in the nature of these trade relations. One of the most significant aspects of Turkish-German trade during World War II was chromium ore. While Germany imported chromium—an essential raw material for its arms industry—from Turkey, Turkey acquired military equipment and essential goods from Germany in return. Turkey pursued a state-centered economic decision-making policy and engaged in chromium trade with both the Axis and Allied powers while safeguarding its economic and strategic interests. Furthermore, during the war, Turkey leveraged Germany's shift to a clearing system to its advantage, as Germany's willingness to pay high prices incentivized the continuation of trade. As the war turned in favor of the Allies and their pressure on Turkey increased, Turkey felt the need to maintain political balance, leading to shifts in trade relations. This process illustrates how economic nationalism evolved within the context of international competition and how states integrated economic policies with security strategies. This thesis, focusing on Turkish-German trade relations during World War II with a particular emphasis on chromium, is based on previously unpublished documents from the Turkish Diplomatic Archive, as well as other archival sources and published works. It examines Turkey's efforts to protect its economic interests and diplomatic maneuvering space in connection with Gilpin's argument that economic concerns and priorities are directly linked to national security. The study concludes that, in addition to its neutrality and balance policy during World War II, Turkey also engaged in balance trade.