TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Since Justice and Development Party, or Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi (AK Party) came to power in 2002, Turkey has launched an active foreign policy to increase Turkey’s influence in the Balkans including Bosnia and Herzegovina. This foreign policy strategy uses soft power through proactive diplomacy, revives historical ties in the region, and develops educational and cultural programs. During the last decade, Turkey has pursued these policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina but not all ethno-national groups welcomed this strategy. In Bosnia and Herzegovina Muslim Bosniaks have a large population but they are not the only ones whose opinion matters for long-term, effective, and conciliatory consequences for Turkish foreign policy in the country. This article examines contemporary Turkish foreign policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina; how the whole multiethnic and multi-religious society of Bosnia and Herzegovina perceive this policy; and makes some policy recommendations for Turkey to improve its foreign policies in the region.