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International Area Studies Review
[ Article ]
International Area Studies Review - Vol. 29, No. 1, pp.74-91
ISSN: 2233-8659 (Print)
Print publication date 31 Mar 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69473/iasr.2026.29.1.74

Changing Geopolitical Environment and Foreign Policy: The Transformation of Türkiye’s Geopolitical Code

Joosong Lee ; Jaebeom Kwon*
Institute of International Relations (IDIS), Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Greece
Division of Language & Diplomacy, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Republic of Korea

Correspondence to: *Email: kwonjaebeom1983@gmail.com

Abstract

This study examines how Türkiye has employed symbolic expressions and phrases in the formulation and implementation of its foreign policy since the establishment of the Republic, using them as implicit representations of its vision and strategic objectives. Colin Flint conceptualized such deliberate constructions—through which a state legitimizes and garners support for its policy goals and strategies—as a “Geopolitical Code.” Türkiye offers a compelling case of this phenomenon. Whenever facing rapid geopolitical shifts or crises, Türkiye has persistently designed and articulated new Geopolitical Codes to present its evolving grand strategy and political vision. Using the concept of the Geopolitical Code as a theoretical framework, this paper traces how Türkiye has constructed and utilized these Codes in response to changes in its geopolitical environment, and analyzes the meanings embedded in each phase. To achieve this, the study conducts a secondary data analysis of official government documents and relevant secondary sources. The analysis reveals that Türkiye’s foreign policy cannot be explained solely by material power or structural constraints. More crucial is understanding how the state defines its national interests, identifies allies and adversaries, and constructs symbolic narratives to justify strategic behavior. Continuous examination of these processes not only aids in forecasting Türkiye’s future diplomatic and strategic trajectories, but also contributes to the scholarly understanding of the discursive dimension of foreign policy analysis.

Keywords:

Türkiye, Geopolitical code, Foreign policy, Geopolitics

AI Acknowledgment

Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were not used in any way to prepare, write, or complete essential authoring tasks in this manuscript.

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2020S1A6A3A04064633). This work was supported by Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Research Fund.

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