Breaking with convention: Turkey's new approach to peacebuilding

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60621-7_5

In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a dynamic and engaging new peacebuilding actor, combining the priorities characteristic of other rising powers and traditional donors. Turkey’s twofold approach to peacebuilding encompasses statebuilding support and peacemaking within societies. Infrastructure projects and technical assistance are accompanied by culturally sensitive engagement through education programs and religious projects. Like other rising powers, economic incentives such as trade are a central aspect of this engagement. Turkey’s emergence reflects its economic development, a realignment of foreign policy priorities and international shifts in power. However, its approach to peacebuilding in conflict-affected countries is very much informed by the country’s long history of insecurity. This chapter examines the emergence of Turkey’s peacebuilding agenda, the principles, policies and activities that underpin it, and the internal dynamics that may hinder future initiatives.