Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
SIYASAL-JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCES, cilt.29, sa.2, ss.337-365, 2020 (ESCI)
This article seeks to explain sharp oscillations that have taken place in Turkish-Egyptian relations after 2011. In this context, it argues that post-Arab uprising developments are exceptional, considering the history of bilateral relations. To explain this development, the article highlights four main factors: shifts in the regional balance of powers, economic difficulties and opportunities, ideology and identity of political elites, and domestic political concerns and calculations. The article first examines the regional, political, and economic motives behind Ankara's foreign policy opening toward Egypt and Cairo's positive reaction during the transition period following the 2011 revolt. Second, the article sheds light on the historical peak in Turkish-Egyptian relations following the victory of the Muslim Brotherhood candidate Muhammad Morsi in the 2012 presidential elections. More specifically, the article focuses on the ideological affinity between the Brotherhood and the Justice and Development Party and the role of Turkey in supporting Morsi's government politically and economically. Lastly, the study investigates the harsh reaction of Turkey to the 2013 military coup against Morsi and Egypt's responses by investigating the shifts in the regional balance of powers and the porous line between domestic politics and foreign policy in both countries at the discourse level due to the rising problems and ideological polarization in domestic politics. The research is based on scanning of news, data, and analyses of political and economic dimensions of bilateral relations, along with personal in-depth interviews with Turkish and Egyptian diplomats, politicians, bureaucrats, businesspersons, and NGO officials who have a role and/or experience in Turkish-Egyptian relations.