Evaluation of Diplomatic Bilateral Cooperation within the City of Ankara

Abstract

The term ‘urban diplomacy' is used to describe the various activities performed that pertain to international relations between cities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the urban diplomacy of the city of Ankara in the context of bilateral cooperation. Qualitative research is used to determine the nature of measures related to bilateral cooperation and obtain relevant quantitative data. The department archives of the Department of Foreign Relations and the Directorate of Foreign Relations of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality were used for research purposes during March 8-9, 2022. The study concludes that diplomatic bilateral cooperation within the city of Ankara was conducted according to the parameters of Turkish foreign diplomacy and in harmony with national diplomacy. It was also concluded that the relationship between urban politics and bilateral cooperation was influenced by the same political party controlling both central and local governments. In terms of the relationship with urban policies, activities related to bilateral cooperation are determined as a means of promoting the city, rather than providing urban services for Ankara.

Keywords

• local diplomacy
• bilateral cooperation
• turkish foreign politics
• urban politics
• public diplomacy
• municipalities
• ankara metropolitan municipality
• sister cities
• ankara