Reluctant Neighbor: Turkey's Role in the Middle East [Paperback]

Henri J. Barkey (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 187837964X | ISBN-13: 978-1878379641 | Publication Date: April 1997

Turkey holds a unique position between East and West, and with the end of the Cold War it has a potential for influence it has not seen since the end of the Ottoman Empire. Freedom from the Russian threat frees it to examine its links with the West, and political change and shifting power in the region afford an opportunity for new relationships with its neighbors in the Near and Middle East.

These thoughtful essays offer a detailed look at Turkey’s prospects in the region —developing economic opportunities, water resource issues, the changing relationship with emerging Central Asian countries, and the Kurdish problem—all in the context of the repercussions of the Gulf War and the ongoing Middle East peace process.

The essays in this volume fill an important gap in the literature on Turkey and the Middle East, bringing together the points of view of scholars, journalists, and other observers from the United States, Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East for an unprecedented dialogue on issues of growing importance.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Henri J. Barkey is the Bernard L. and Bertha F. Cohen Professor in International Relations and International Relations Department Chair at Lehigh University. He served as a member of the U.S. State Department Policy Planning Staff (1998-2000). He has authored, co-authored and edited four books, the most recent being Turkey’s Kurdish Question (with Graham Fuller). Most recently he has written "The Endless Pursuit: Improving U.S.-Turkish Relations," in Morton Abramowitz (ed.) "Friends in Need: Turkey and the United States after September 11, "Cyprus: The Predictable Crisis," The National Interest with Philip H. Gordon, and a forthcoming U.S. Institute of Peace Special Report, "Turkey and Iraq: The Perils (and Prospects) of Proximity."

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: United States Institute of Peace (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 187837964X
• ISBN-13: 978-1878379641
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,804,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to understanding Turkey's role in the world, March 28, 2009

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Lehigh History Student (Bethlehem, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Reluctant Neighbor: Turkey's Role in the Middle East (Paperback)

Henri Barkey and the authors of this volume do an excellent job of delivering a thoughtful analysis of Turkey's role in world politics with especial attention to the Middle East. It does an excellent job of giving a modern political synopsis of Turkey's transition from Ottoman Empire to Turkey and how it fits into a modern framework with Europe, Russia, the Middle East and its traditional rival Persia (Iran). After it goes through this analysis the book then looks at Turkey's relations with specific countries from Iran to Saudi Arabia to Syria. It pays special attention with a focus on Israel and how Turkey's policies are determined with an eye towards Israel. The major cross country policies that the book addresses include environmentally security such as water rights and ethnic problems such as the Kurdish question. For those looking for a one book synopsis of Turkey's foreign policy issues this is a perfect place to start.