TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY AND THE KOSOSVO WAR: DISCUSSIONS ON THE KOSOVO ISSUE IN THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY (1998-1999) La política exterior turca y la guerra de Kosovo: Debates sobre la cuestión de Kosovo en la Gran Asamblea Nacional de Turquía (1998-1999)
Revista UNISCI, vol.2025-October, no.69, pp.133-162, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2025-October Issue: 69
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.31439/unisci-243
- Journal Name: Revista UNISCI
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Directory of Open Access Journals, DIALNET
- Page Numbers: pp.133-162
- Keywords: Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Kosovo, NATO, Turkish press
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The Balkans were one of the most important issues on Turkey's foreign policy agenda during the 1990s. When the war in Kosovo began, Ankara adopted an active policy, demonstrating that, as a Balkan country, Turkey embraced the Kosovo issue, took responsibility for it, and fulfilled its moral obligations. In line with its geostrategic partners, the Turkish state emphasised the need to reduce tensions and balance the demands of the parties involved, initially adopting a moderate stance in relation to other potential political solutions for Kosovo. However, as Serbian repercussions in Kosovo increased, Turkey reconsidered its foreign policy, adopting a tougher stance on the Kosovo issue. This article examines the influence of these actors on the final positioning of Turkey, highlighting discussions on the Kosovo issue in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.