Soft power instruments in Turkey's foreign policy towards Africa: The role of official state institutions

In the post-Cold War period, with the decline in the impact of security-based policies, new approaches have emerged in the conduct of foreign policy. Activities called soft power have become important tools in the foreign policy process of states. Türkiye has adopted a more initiative and multilateral foreign policy approach in the 21st century. One of the areas where this new policy style has been realised has been Africa. Türkiye has taken an important path in Africa policy with its soft power activities. A more cooperative atmosphere has emerged in the international system as security concerns have softened and the bipolar system has collapsed. TIKA, YEE, YTB and TMV have been important policy instruments in Türkiye's new foreign policy towards Africa. These institutions are the main executive institutions of Türkiye's soft power policy with their activities in Africa. In the early years of Turkey's Africa policy, the influence of civil society organisations was significant. However, after the coup attempt in 2016, the role of civil society in foreign policy has been questioned. Especially the role of the FETÖ organisation, which was behind the coup attempt, in Türkiye's Africa policy cannot be ignored. If these developments are taken as a milestone, the role of state institutions in Türkiye's Africa policy has increased and they have become the main drivers of this policy. In this study, the importance of these institutions in Türkiye's Africa policy is analysed. Considering the fields of activity of TIKA, YEE, YTB and TMV, they represent important initiatives in terms of soft power. Considering their objectives for Turkish foreign policy, their institutional capacities and the importance of their activities in Africa, each of these institutions are among the most important actors of Türkiye's Africa policy. In addition, the role of state institutions in the execution of soft power activities is highlighted in order to prevent organizations such as FETÖ, which have the potential to undermine Türkiye's soft power in Africa after 2016. Considering the long-term effects of soft power activities, the role of state institutions in soft power policies should be the dominant factor for the success of the policies carried out in Africa.