The United States' foreign policy regarding Republic of Turkey under Kennedy administration (1961-1963)

This dissertation studies the United States' outlook of and relations to Turkey. It explains the dilemma Kennedy, who had been for foreign assistance programs since he was a member of the Congress, faced between the budget deficit issue and foreign aid. It asserts – for the US – Soviet threat had shifted during the 1960s, prospects of subversion in Europe increased while the possibility of direct military aggression decreased and therefore Kennedy tried to balance military and financial assistances. The study infers as it could not classify Turkey into a specific category the White House had issues with its eastern and western allies. It puts forward that Washington, keeping close tabs on Ankara through this tumultuous time, was sure Turkey would remain in western fold regardless of its regime. It professes Kennedy administration decided to be more involved with Cyprus. It deduces although the process had begun, Kennedy considered backing down from the deployment of the certain IRBMs – that had raised doubts within American politics – to Turkey, however it backed down due to political concerns. The study concludes when they constituted a problem during the Missile Crisis, the administration relatively easily decided to remove said missiles.