Turkish TV series as cultural diplomacy and soft power tool in Latin America: A strategic model proposal

Despite its positive aspects such as appeal, influence, and attraction in international areas, Turkish TV series have not been treated with a long-term and multi-stakeholder strategic approach that includes Turkey's foreign policy by relevant public institutions and organizations. Examples such as Hollywood and the Korean Wave show that TV series and similar creative culture industry products are important tools to sustain international public relations, public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and soft power when approached strategically. For this reason, in this thesis, the impact of Turkish TV series as a soft power instrument in Latin American countries, especially Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, where they are widely watched, and their contribution to international public relations and cultural diplomacy has been examined to propose a model to achieve the desired sustainable impact. Within the scope of the study, the researcher conducted preliminary research to define the Turkish TV series audience in Latin America, considering the field notes taken during his visits to Latin American countries. The main data of the study was obtained from in-depth interviews with the producers of Turkish TV series and experts from the sector, representatives of institutions that determine cultural diplomacy strategies, representatives of institutions representing Turkey abroad, and diplomats, media members, and academics of the target countries. As a result of the research, it was highlighted that stakeholders contributing to Turkey's soft power should act collaboratively to achieve sustainable impact and create a benefit that revitalizes different sectors. In this context, a dynamic and improvable model that involves all stakeholders is proposed to strategically utilize Turkish TV series in international public relations, cultural diplomacy, and soft power. Keywords: Turkish Television Series, Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Power, Strategic Model