Türkiye's soft power policies in Central Asia: A comparative analysis

When the history of international relations is examined, states have perceived the use of hard force, which includes military elements and the use of force, as almost the sole alternative to achieve a certain goal. Today, when technology, knowledge, and globalization have developed rapidly, the perception of power in the international system has also changed. The importance of soft power, which derives its source from the cultural and political values and foreign policy of a country, has increased especially after the Cold War. This study, which was prepared to understand the role of soft power in Turkish foreign policy and the utilization, role, and importance of soft power in Central Asia, aims to reveal Türkiye's potential, fields of activity, and practices in this field. After the Central Asian Republics gained their independence in 1991, soft power came to the fore in Türkiye's regional policies. During the rule of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) governments, policies in this direction have gained prominence, which consequently has resulted in the perception that soft power activities emerged during the AK Party era. In particular, economic and humanitarian aid, and cultural and educational activities have been identified as soft power strategies. Türkiye has pursued soft power strategies in Central Asia, especially in the fields of education, culture, social, economic, religious and foreign policy. Keywords: Soft Power, Central Asia, Turkish Foreign Policy