Turkey in the United Nations Security Council

By Akif Kireççi

SETA Policy Brief, No. 28, January 2009

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Turkey’s new seat in the UNSC marks a historic achievement for Turkish foreign policy since 1961. Turkish diplomatic corps around the world and political leaders have lobbied towards this end since 2003. In recent years, Turkey has expanded its foreign policy parameters not only in theory but in practice and reached out to disparate corners of the world. Turkey’s present success offers challenges and opportunities together. While trying to contribute to international security, Turkey will face the requirement of transforming its domestic politics in accordance with the realities of the post Cold War era. Turkey’s policies of bringing the conflicting sides together and initiating platforms for cooperation will be seen more often now in international politics.