1st Edition

Turkish-American Relations, 1800-1952 Between the Stars, Stripes and the Crescent

By Şuhnaz Yilmaz Copyright 2015
    182 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book aims to take the reader on a journey along the intricate web of Turkish-American relations. It critically examines the process, during which the relations evolved from those of strangers into an occasionally troubled, yet resilient alliance. Through the extensive use of Turkish, American and British archival documents and numerous private paper and manuscript collections, the book examines Turkish-American relations from 1800 to 1952, starting with the earliest contacts and ending with the institutionalization of the alliance after Turkey’s entry into NATO. Its purpose is to provide a better understanding of the significant issues pertaining to Turkish-American relations such as the impact of international developments on foreign policy decisions, the role of key figures and organizations in shaping the relations, the interaction of political, economic, cultural and military factors in policy formation and the importance of mutual perceptions in shaping actual relations. The analysis also situates Turkish-American relations in the larger context of diplomatic history, through an evaluation of how the United States’ relations with Turkey fit into the general framework of American foreign policy and also through an examination of the conduct and changing priorities of Turkish foreign policy in this era. Such a study not only enhances our knowledge of Turkish-American relations for the period of 1800-1952, but also provides further insight into the relations during the Cold War and its aftermath.

    Introduction  1. The Long Prelude: Ottoman-American Relations  2. The Problematic Era: Challenges of Post-War Settlement  3. The Interwar Period: Turkish-American Rapprochement  4. World War II: Complexities of Turkish Neutrality  5. Cold War Context: Formation of the Turkish-American Alliance.  Conclusion.

    Biography

    Şuhnaz Yılmaz is an Associate Professor of International Relations at Koc University, Istanbul.

    "It is important because it takes up the understudied topic of the economic, cultural and diplomatic relations that existed between the two countries, while its comparative approach at times provides the reader with the context needed to historicize the decisions made by the leaders of both countries. In addition, the general framework provided by the author helps the reader more fully comprehend the dynamics that led to the historical and political conditions predominating in the two countries. In short, Yilmaz has written an exemplary study which will be very useful for researchers interested in international relations, economics and history in general, and Turkey and the U.S. in particular."

    Nikos Christofis, Insight Turkey