Publisher's Synopsis
Reports on a workshop convened to discuss Turkey's pivotal regional role. On April 25-27, 2001, RAND's Center for Middle East Public Policy and the Geneva Center for Security Policy held a workshop in Geneva that focused on the evolving strategic role of Turkey. Participants agreed that the question of identity remains critical for Turkey and its relation with Europe and the West. The turmoil in Turkey's economy and politics has had the effect of sharpening the national debate about values and identity. Second, the evolution of Turkish society and politics in the coming years will be the leading variable in determining where Turkey fits in the international system. Third, Turkey's foreign and security policies have become more active and complex in recent years. The country's policy horizons have expanded, with a recognition of new risks and opportunities.;Finally, the current crisis is as much political as economic, and its significance cannot be overestimated: Along with the potential for fundamental reform and the emergence of new political leadership that could facilitate Turkey's modernization and Europeanization, there also exists the potential for stagnation, turmoil, a nationalist reaction, and the emergence of a more inward-looking policy
