A Comparative Analysis of Normative and Realpolitik Instruments in Resolution of International Problems: Turkey’s Mediation in Iran and Syrian Crisis

Abstract

In international relations, states can use different practices in line with their goals and interests andthey may prefer realpolitik or more normative means according to their priorities. Turkey, especiallyafter 2000’s, aimed to be more active in foreign policy and “mediation” activities that carried out invarious regions has become one of the instruments of achieving targets. Beside mediation which canbe considered as a normative instrument by giving priority to diplomacy in conflict resolution andaiming to sustain interstate dialogue, in cases where there is a threat to national security, it can beseen that coercive and hard power means may add as a complementary of the process. The foreignpolicy of Turkey was influenced by on the one hand changes in domestic circumstances, on the otherhand events in global politics and the article aims to put forth that these influence reflected mediationinitiatives. The changing nature of Turkey’s mediation can be observed in Iran and Syria cases.