The Effects of Soft Power in Türkiye-Africa Relations on Economy and Foreign Trade: The Case of Somalia

Göksel Türker; Taner Akçacı

doi:10.37880/cumuiibf.1608490

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The Effects of Soft Power in Türkiye-Africa Relations on Economy and Foreign Trade: The Case of Somalia

Abstract

This study examines Turkey's use of soft power in its relations with Africa, with a particular focus on Somalia. The research establishes a theoretical foundation by analyzing the concepts of power, soft power, and hard power within the relevant literature. In this context, the role and impact of soft power in foreign policy is evaluated in terms of foreign policy strategies. Somalia's geographical, economic, and social structures are analyzed to understand the application of soft power strategies in this context. The study also addresses Somalia's political history, from the colonial period to the present, to assess the relevance of soft power in post-conflict reconstruction. Turkey's overall foreign policy towards Africa is examined, with special attention to its unique approach in Somalia. This approach, which integrates soft power with elements of smart power, is highlighted as a significant factor in Turkey's success. Turkey's non-colonial history and responsiveness to local needs have been key to its achievements in Somalia. The findings reveal that Turkey's development aid, educational initiatives, and diplomatic efforts have led to substantial economic, social, and commercial gains, surpassing the outcomes of other international actors. Turkey’s tailored strategies strengthen its bilateral relations with Somalia and provide a model for effective foreign policy in similar contexts. The study employs an interdisciplinary methodology, drawing on data from international organizations and official documents.

Keywords

Türkiye-Afrika İlişkilerinde Yumuşak Gücün Ekonomi ve Dış Ticaret Üzerindeki Etkileri: Somali Örneği

Öz

Bu çalışma, Türkiye'nin Afrika ile ilişkilerinde yumuşak güç kullanımının etkilerini Somali özelinde analiz etmektedir. Araştırma, güç, yumuşak güç ve sert güç kavramlarını, ilgili literatür çerçevesinde teorik bir temel oluşturarak ele almaktadır. Bu bağlamda, yumuşak gücün dış siyasetteki rolü ve etkisi, dış politika stratejileri açısından değerlendirilmiştir. Somali’nin coğrafi, ekonomik ve toplumsal yapısı ise, yumuşak güç stratejilerinin bu bağlamda nasıl şekillendiğini anlamak için ayrıntılı bir şekilde incelenmiştir. Somali'nin sömürgecilik döneminden günümüze uzanan siyasi tarihi de çalışmanın bir diğer önemli bileşenidir. Bu tarihsel analiz, yumuşak güç kavramının Somali gibi çatışma sonrası yeniden yapılanma sürecinde olan ülkelerdeki uygulanabilirliğini değerlendirmek için bir zemin sunmaktadır. Çalışma, Türkiye’nin Afrika kıtasına yönelik genel dış politikasını kapsamlı bir şekilde incelemekte ve Somali ile ilişkilerde bu politikanın özgün yansımalarını irdelemektedir. Özellikle Türkiye’nin yumuşak gücü, akıllı güç unsurlarıyla birleştiren yaklaşımına vurgu yapılmaktadır. Türkiye'nin sömürgeci geçmişe sahip olmaması ve yerel ihtiyaçlara duyarlılık göstermesi, Somali'de elde ettiği başarıda kritik bir rol oynamıştır. Araştırma bulguları, Türkiye'nin kalkınma yardımları, eğitim projeleri ve diplomatik girişimlerinin, diğer uluslararası aktörlerin sınırlı başarılarının aksine Somali’de anlamlı ekonomik, sosyal ve ticari kazanımlara yol açtığını ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bağlamda, Türkiye’nin geliştirdiği kendine özgü stratejiler, Somali ile ilişkileri güçlendirmekle kalmayıp, benzer bağlamlarda etkili dış politika uygulamaları için bir model sunmaktadır. Çalışmada, uluslararası kuruluşlardan ve resmî belgelerden elde edilen verilerle desteklenen disiplinlerarası bir metodolojik çerçeve benimsenmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Ethical Statement

It is declared that scientific and ethical principles have been followed while carrying out and writing this study and that all the sources used have been properly cited.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Economic Theory (Other) , Public Administration , Policy and Administration (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Göksel Türker ^*
0000-0003-3589-8271
Türkiye

Taner Akçacı
0000-0002-5343-0894
Türkiye

Publication Date

April 30, 2025

Submission Date

December 27, 2024

Acceptance Date

April 26, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 26 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37880/cumuiibf.1608490

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA46BM44YM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Türker, G., & Akçacı, T. (2025). The Effects of Soft Power in Türkiye-Africa Relations on Economy and Foreign Trade: The Case of Somalia. Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İktisadi Ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 26(2), 323-338. https://doi.org/10.37880/cumuiibf.1608490