Türkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency's (TİKA) role in Türkish foreign policy

Throught history, countries have been in constant contact with each other. Some states have used communication tools effectively and have become superpowers or regional powers. In this context, new concepts and new approaches have begun to emerge in a new world order . Constructivism ( Social Constructivist Approach ) has taken its place in foreign policy as a new approach in this context. On the other hand the concept of soft and hard power has become one of the foreign policy concepts. A state being a superpower push other powers in different seeks. The tools of power have changed. Now the hard and military power has left the place to soft power which strengthening of bilateral relations. Although the hard power has become a deterrent factor, it has not fully filled the gap in international relations. For that reason hard power lad to leave the place to soft power. In this context soft power tools have become a state policy. The developed countries like United States of Amerika, Britain, France, Japan Germany etc. are supporting state- aid fund because of their views as foreign policy instruments. In Turkey, state-funded institutions such as Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency ( TİKA) come into prominence with their aids and projects. Until 1990's the amount of foreign aid has been insufficient. With the estanblishment of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency contributed with their helps and projects especially Central Asian countries and also more than one hundred and fourty countries of the world. TİKA, which has made important projects in Africa, Central Asia and South East Asia, Balkans and Caucasus, Middle East, Latin America has become the outward opening door of Turkey. The projects implemented by TİKA have facilitated the development of diplomacy between states and also played an important role in improving trade relations. Before 1990, Turkey and Central Asian Turkish Republics culturel ties are strong but trade relations low. After the TİKA commercial relations increase.So it is a good example to understanding the mission of TİKA. The improvement of economic relations has not only occured in the Cenral Asian Turkish Republics but also in Africa, The Balcans, The Middle East, Asia and Southeast Asia. Key Words: Turkish foreign policy, TİKA, Economy, Konstruktivism, Foreign aid