Strategic Determinants of Turkey's Vital Sphere towards the Middle East: An Analytical Study

Abstract

 Türkiye is an important republican state in the Middle East that exercises multidimensional roles for both regional and international levels. Its capabilities and roles have expanded significantly, especially in the Middle East. This growth can be associated to Türkiye’s strategic development shaped by its interpretation and conceptualization as its vital sphere in the Middle East. Since the early twenty-first century, Türkiye has been able to develop a coherent strategic intellectual structure towards its vital sphere in the Middle East, based on methodological approaches derived from constructivist neorealism and applying analytical tools. This study attempts to analyze its assumption that Türkiye possesses clearly defined strategic determinants guiding its approach to controlling what it perceives as its vital sphere in the Middle East, comprising the region in its entirety. Informed by its imperial historical legacy, Türkiye perceives the entire Middle East as a vital sphere according to its own conceptual framing of such a sphere, which is closely interrelated with its concept of strategic depth, articulated as a general theory for rebuilding its place in the region. The study concludes that Türkiye actively applies all deployable instruments to enhance its regional influence and to modify the dynamics of its borders for the purpose of greater control in relation to the Middle East. This study primarily employs a political analysis approach, utilizing it to analyze a wide range of internal and external elements and variables influencing Turkish policy. We also draw upon a systemic approach, given the numerous internal factors and elements that contribute to understanding Turkish strategy and its role in the region, particularly in light of various regional developments.