The Routledge Handbook of Soft Power, 2nd Edition

28 EXPLAINING CHINA’S SOFT POWER IN TÜRKİYE

Selim Öterbülbül

DOI: 10.4324/9781003189756-31

Introduction

In Türkiye’s political history, the phrase, turning the country into a “Little America” has been used since the 1950s (Mufti 2011). As Nye defines soft power as a form of power achieved through influence and attraction, this phrase can be seen as an early example of the American power of attraction in Turkish politics. Today, Türkiye has tense relations with many of its Western allies, which has raised questions as to whether such a shift signifies a likewise change in political priorities. That discussion has often been linked to Türkiye’s relations with non-Western countries while China has also been presented as an important source ...