As the economy grew starting 2002, Turkey started becoming active in Balkans. Nowadays, Turkish Lira fluctuates deeply emphasizing the fragility of Turkey economy will impose negative development concerning the Turkish policy on Balkans.
YOUTUBE
Balkans is always paramount importance to Turkey due to national security concerning including economic reasons. After Ottoman Empire dissolved, Turkey has been using its soft power to consolidate its political, economic and cultural influence in the Balkans. Turkish model which can be considered as a balanced mix of Islam, democracy, free market and modernity attracts the people in Balkans. Turkey is not applying any visa conditions to Balkan countries. TIKA has been able to run a complementary policy by increasing cooperation with Muslim organization in the Balkans and restoring the historical Turkic monuments, libraries and mosques including allocation of development assistance to the region. There are many schools and universities in the Balkans from Turkey or Turkic educators work as professor or educator.
Moreover, Turkey land route to Europe passes through the Balkans. There are similar consumption habits between the people in Turkey and the Balkans make easier for Turkish market to manufacture products for both regions. Turkish companies operate in finance, manufacturing, medical and insurance sectors in Balkan markets.
Turkey is a natural actor in this region. It is indeed a correct observation. However Turkey’s hunger is bigger than its capacity at the moment. Since the economy deters greatly, Turkey will have no power to assist those countries in any means. The Balkans countries need investment and cash injection to support their economy during the pandemic era. Now Turkey’s economy shows great weakness, it becomes clearer that Turkey will reduce (if not stop) investing in those Balkans countries. It will take at least a decade if not more for Turkey to recover its economy (meaning, the worst has not come yet).
As Jeopolitic Compass, it has always been claimied that biggest national security threat to Turkey is its economic model or better to say itself. Unless, the muscles stop growing, none shall expect threat in future. Now Turkey is losing its muscles, it will affect its advancement in defense industry as well as its foreign policy in Balkans, Horn of Africa and Mediterranean region.
Turkey will enter a period of losing its influence in its neighborhood. Unless Turkey changes tis strategy, it will take decades to recover its economy or gain its previous position in the region. Balkans will be the first region to lose its influence.
