Understanding the diplomatic ability and influence of a regional power in a time of conflict: Turkish foreign policy during the Yugoslav wars

Abstract

This thesis examines the diplomatic capacities of regional powers in their respective regions during the times of conflict and crisis. It has been widely argued within the International Relations scholarship that the influence of regional powers has been increasing both at the global and regional levels since the end of the Cold War. Considering the increasing diplomatic attention brought to a particular region by the international community, times of conflicts and crises serve us better to capture the true nature of diplomatic influence of a regional power. In order to analyze this issue, the thesis concentrates on the Turkish foreign policy towards the Yugoslav wars, analyzing in depth the diplomatic initiatives taken by Turkey during the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Through this analysis, this thesis aims at developing an understanding on the role of regional powers during the conflicts in their respective regions.