From soft power to smart power: Türkiye's grand straregic security in Somalia

This study focuses on the shift from soft power to smart power of Turkish security policy towards Somalia under the framework of constructivism. Based on the theory of soft power, introduced by Joseph S. Nye, Turkish soft power employment is elaborated. Turkish-Somali relations are analyzed with relation to the concept of soft power, hard power, and smart power. After AK Party came to power in 2002, Türkiye's foreign policy experienced a shift towards soft power. In this context Türkiye has enhanced its current institutions as well as established agencies and institutions with the aim of improving its foreign and security policy. In relation with soft power the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, non-governmental organizations, and Turkish Airlines are among the most effective institutions in Türkiye. Naming year 2005 as "Africa Year" and following active engagement of Türkiye in Africa, Türkiye's serious approach to the continent is apparent. On line with the contributions to African countries, Türkiye proves its efficient and sincere contribution to Somalia as well. What makes Türkiye special is the use of soft and hard power in combination without creating an image of force or threat. Contrary Türkiye is welcome in the countries, particularly in Somalia. This shows the smart power in relation with security strategy that Türkiye implements strategically in Somalia. This thesis explores Turkish security policy in general and further specifically towards Africa and in detail on Somalia in short and long term. Keywords: Hard Power, Smart Power, Soft Power, Turkish Foreign Policy, Türkiye's Somali Policy