Lexington Books American Image in Turkey: U.S. Foreign Policy Dimensions

Most recognize the importance of public opinion in foreign policy decisions in democracies. However, despite its importance to American security, the question of how American foreign policy has affected the views of foreign publics about the United States is seldom asked. Throughout American Image in Turkey: U.S. Foreign Policy Dimensions, Giray Sadik explores the relationship between American foreign policy and Turkish public opinion about the United States since 9/11. In the post-9/11 era, Turkey was one of the earliest states to join the global coalition against terrorism, but American and Turkish cooperation in Afghanistan contrasts with their differences about Iraq, which destabilizes their strategic partnership. Sadik examines the effects of American military and economic aid, foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as bilateral trade between the United States and Turkey on Turkish public opinion about the United States, addressing how these tools can increase levels of favorable public opinion toward the United States. Sadik explains how different trends of U.S. military and economic policies toward Turkey translate into significantly different levels of influence on post-9/11 Turkish public opinion toward the United States. The implications of new geopolitical realities make explorations of the effects of foreign policy on public opinion all the more urgent. Review In recognition that relations between the United States and Turkey have been badly strained, especially by the Iraq war, President Obama's first trip to Europe included a major speech to the Turkish parliament. American Image in Turkey is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand Turkish public disaffection with the United States. Moreover, Dr. Sadik's careful analysis of the links between Turkish public opinion and aspects of American policy--military assistance, economic assistance, foreign direct investments, and bilateral trade--provides some useful guidelines for future policy.--Ole R. Holsti, Duke University Dr. Giray Sadik has brought together in this interesting volume useful data and analysis on the state of U.S.-Turkey relations in recent years. His insights into this subject help us understand the successes and the failures that have occurred as America attempts to improve its diplomatic ties with one of the most important nations in the world.--Loch K. Johnson, University of Georgia About the Author Giray Sadik is visiting assistant professor of political science at Truman State University.