Turkish decision-making and the balkans: Implications of role theory

Abstract

The once-and-for-all change in the end of 1980s brought with it new states in the Balkans, which propelled renewed Turkish policy formulation vis-à-vis the region. The post-Cold War timeline of Turkish-Balkan relations demonstrated foreign-policy attitudes taking shape differently compared to Cold War period due to mutually evolving role identifications and role prescriptions of actors, on which the conceptual baggage of role theory offers a germane framework for enquiry. Changes in role conceptions in Turkey's Balkan relations after 1990 were neither limitless nor thoroughly radical. Relations with the region were undisputedly taken further after the Cold War, and yet remained low-key compared to relations with other neighbouring regions.