Neo-Ottomanism as a Key Doctrine of Modern Turkey

Neo-Ottomanism is a new unofficial foreign policy strategy that is being implied by The Republic of Turkey. It is very closely related to such terms as “Neo Pan-Turkism,” “Pan-Turanism” and “Turkish Eurasianism.” It was actively implemented towards new born Turkic states after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, today it is mostly aimed at strengthening Turkish position within the Arab world, African countries and on Balkans. “Soft power” used to be the main mean of embodying Neo Ottoman strategy, but failed due to the developments of the “Arab spring.” This article looks closely at the very nature of Neo-Ottomanism and its elements and brings out its demonstration within the Turkish foreign policy decisions. The author also analyzes the place and role of the Neo-Ottoman doctrine taking into account the changing realities of the Turkish foreign policy.