Sharp Power and the case of Turkey: theory and empirical process

Abstract

This article covers the conceptual transition of Power from the era of Hard to that of Sharp, namely. It presents the main theoretical aspects of Sharp Power, identifying the empirical process with Russia and China. However, this article takes the analytical process a step further by presenting Turkish Sharp and Soft Power and its methods in both domestic and foreign policy, which combined constitute Compelling Power. For various analysts, Turkey’s current route in the international system seems to have taken a peculiar turn since the state moves away from the Western world, trying to adopt a more independent stance in the international arena. The article argues that this turn concerns the Neo-Ottoman identity that R.T. Erdogan strives to give his nation. In order to achieve this, Ankara and its propaganda mechanisms developed the Turkish version of Soft and Sharp Power. Given this rationale, an evaluation is being conducted on numerous instances of Sharp and Soft power implementation by the Turkish government spanning from 2009 to 2021.

Keywords

• Soft Power
• Sharp Power
• Turkey
• systemic memory
• Compelling Power
• Socio-Legal Studies - International Law & Politics