THE ARAB SPRING IN SYRIA. IMPLICATIONS FOR TURKEY’S REGIONAL POLICY

Abstract

The  events  of  the Arab  Spring in  Syria  have  led  to  the  re-evaluation of Turkey’s regional  policy  and  forced  it  to  make  a choice: whether to, acting in compliance with the expect a-tions  of  its  Western  allies,  e.g.  the  United  States,  promote  the  rules  of  democracy  in  the  Middle East  and firmly react against any cases of human rights’ violation, simultaneously showing the direction of  neces sary  changes  in  the  region,  or  to  act  in  compliance  with  the  definition  of  the international policy Strategic Depth: „no problems with neighbours”, which excludes any interference in the internal politics of ther countries, to continue pragmatic cooperation with all political centres, including the authoritarian regimes. The  policy of the protection of democracy and human rights has been chosen. This decision, on the one hand, strengthens Turkey’s relations with West ern countries. On the other hand, it may lead to an open conflict with a direct neighbour, Syria, which constitutes a serious threat to Turkey’s  security and may result in negative consequences  for  its  economic  development,  energy security, and economic relations with the Middle East partners.