Promoting a young Republic: Turkish public diplomacy in the United States between 1923-1939 and 1945-1960

This dissertation explores how Turkey conducted public diplomacy in the United States during two critical periods—1923–1939 and 1945–1960—and analyzes how domestic and international dynamics shaped these efforts. It approaches public diplomacy through an integrated, three-dimensional model that includes mediated public diplomacy, relational public diplomacy, and nation branding/country reputation activities. By doing so, the study argues that Turkish public diplomacy has always involved more than simply providing information; it has also relied on relationship-building and identity construction. Methodologically, the dissertation is based on qualitative research and employs process tracing to uncover causal mechanisms rather than merely describing events chronologically. The analysis draws primarily on archival documents from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering 1923–1959, supplemented by press sources and secondary literature. This approach allows the study to track the evolution of Turkish public diplomacy and examine its strategic logic. The central argument is that several key internal and external factors—such as regime change, shifts in the international system, counter-lobby activities (notably the Armenian lobby in the 1920s and the Greek lobby after 1950), and the Democrat Party's turn toward authoritarianism—played a decisive role in shaping Turkish public diplomacy in the United States. The dissertation challenges the common assumption that pre–1960s practices were merely propaganda and demonstrates that many characteristics associated with "new public diplomacy" already existed in earlier periods. The study makes three main contributions to the literature. First, it provides historical depth to a field that has mostly focused on post-1980 developments. Second, it brings non-great powers—rather than only great powers—into theoretical discussions on public diplomacy. Third, it offers a state-centered analysis grounded in an integrated conceptual model that connects communication, relationships, and identity-building. Through this multidisciplinary and historically informed approach, the dissertation shows that Turkey was not simply reacting to global trends but often acted innovatively in shaping its image and influence abroad.