Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines domestic and regional geopolitical dynamics behind Turkish-Qatari relations from the past to the present. Utilizing arguments of practical geopolitical reasoning, Özgür Pala and Khaled Al-Jaber situate their analysis of evolving relations in the contexts of Ottoman-British geopolitical rivalry in the Persian Gulf, the Turkish Republic’s fluctuating relations with the Middle East until the 2000s, the AKP governments’ opening to the region and finally the Arab Spring and its aftermath. Contextualizing the trajectory of Turkish-Qatari relations within the larger Middle East and the Gulf Arab region, the authors argue that material interests and identity politics have generally determined relations until the turn of the millennium. Under Erdogan and Sheikh Hamad’s assertive leadership and ambitious foreign policy, Turkey and Qatar came to witness various foreign policy convergences on critically important regional issues. Pala and Al-Jaber argue that these convergences, coupled with their geopolitical and security goals, facilitated a political alignment between Ankara and Doha throughout the Arab Spring. They argue that despite facing major geopolitical setbacks, Turkey and Qatar were able to chart a much deeper cooperation, which later evolved into a strategic partnership in various areas.
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Turkish-Qatari Relations from The Ottomans to the Present
Chapter I: A Brief History of Ottoman-Qatari Relations
Chapter II: Evolving Dynamics of Turkish Foreign Policy Towards the Arab Middle East
Chapter III: Evolving Dynamics of Turkish-Gulf Arab Relations (1980-2002)
Chapter IV: Place of Identity and Interests in the Evolution of Turkish-Qatari Relations (2002-2011)
Chapter V: Regional Dynamics of Turkey-Qatar Relations: Foreign Policy Approaches, Tools, and Convergences (2002-2011)
Chapter VI: Regional Dynamics Continued: Arab Spring, Changing Regional Dynamics, Geopolitical Aspirations, and the Turkish-Qatari Political Alignment (2011-2016)
Chapter VII: Qatari Blockade: From Political Alignment to Strategic Partners (2017-2021)
