The Foreign Policy Behaviour of the Nationalist Action Party in Türkiye: Aspirations, Actions, and Limitations

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the foreign policy behaviour of the Nationalist Action Party (Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi, MHP) in Türkiye, both in the coalition government of 1999–2002 and the electoral alliance since 2018 with regard to Cyprus, relations with the Turkic republics (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan), and the Xinjiang/East Turkestan issue. It does this by drawing on the foreign policy analysis literature which focuses on the impact of party politics and coalition decision-making on foreign policy. The article contends that although the MHP has pan-Turkic aspirations, these may be sacrificed in the face of opportunities and risks for Türkiye. Moreover, the party may even forego kickbacks offered to it if Türkiye’s perceived vital interests are in danger. Lastly, the author argues that the MHP as a coalition partner had more resources at its disposal than as an electoral alliance member when it came to influencing foreign policy.