The Report: Turkey 2012

Over the past decade, Turkey has experienced a number of important transitions that have led to demographic, economic and cultural transformation. These changes have made contemporary Turkey a regional focal point. The Turkish government is committed to balancing its regional and international interests with soft power and trade, while reducing the role of the West and NATO in setting policy. At the same time, Turkey has risen in prominence as a political and trade liaison for Western countries, and as Turkey’s ties with its Middle Eastern neighbours have grown stronger, its importance in Western politics has increased in kind.