Avrasya Etüdleri

Öz

With the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the content and nature of the use of power in the field of international relations began to change. The capacity of a state to make external actors do what it wants was no longer solely dependent on traditional hard power elements based on the military, geography, population, and economy, which involve war or the threat of force. Diplomatic tools that have long existed—based on influencing and persuading the publics of external actors through elements such as culture, sports, educational diplomacy, cinema, television series, or literature—have gained importance and become more central. This phenomenon, known as soft power, has led states to establish public diplomacy institutions to enhance their international influence through non-coercive means. The Republic of Turkey has also adapted to this shift by developing its public diplomacy institutions and making significant advancements in soft power, particularly in the post-2000 period. Turkey actively employs soft power strategies across a vast region, often referred to as the “Gönül Coğrafyası”, which primarily encompasses former Ottoman territories.
While extensive academic research has explored the evolving nature of power, the theoretical foundations of soft power, and the institutional structures and activities of public diplomacy organizations, the relationship between collective memory—a crucial component in the establishment and sustainability of soft power—and international relations remains underexamined. Addressing this gap, this study first outlines the conceptual framework of power and its various dimensions before analyzing the intricate link between international relations and collective memory. It then examines Turkey’s public diplomacy institutions, particularly their strategies for shaping collective memory as part of their broader soft power agenda.
In this context, the study explores the role of public diplomacy strategies in enhancing the effectiveness of soft power in international relations, with a specific focus on key institutions such as the TIKA and YTB. The findings indicate that Türkiye’s “Total Comprehensive Public Diplomacy” policies, implemented through these institutions, have fostered a long-term international impact by leveraging collective memory as a strategic tool in diplomatic engagements.