The view from Turkey: perceptions of Greeks and Greek-Turkish rapproachment by the Turkish public

Abstract

This contribution examines popular support among the Turkish electorate for recent Turkish foreign policy decisions concerning Greece. Data from a nationwide representative survey collected in November 2001 are used to analyze the perceptions and policy preferences concerning recent Greek-Turkish relations. Despite deep-rooted cynicism and distrust toward Greeks and Greek foreign policy, a sizeable constituency supports cooperative policy options on all so-called "sensitive issues" in bilateral relations. On the basis of the survey findings, the possibility for a continued rapprochement between the two countries is evaluated.