Turkey, Germany and the wars in Yugoslavia

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With the Cold War's conclusion, both Eastern and Western bloc countries faced significant internal and external challenges. Western nations, in particular, grappled with emerging domestic issues and shifting international dynamics. Among them, Turkey and Germany were notably impacted and pressured to adapt their structures. This study explores the responses of Turkey and Germany to the Yugoslav conflicts, starting from the wars in Slovenia and Croatia in 1991 through the end of the Kosovo War. It analyzes how the quest for state identity influenced their foreign policies during this period. Turkey sought to reaffirm its Western orientation and aimed to establish itself as a "regional power," contributing to Western security. Conversely, Germany aimed to demonstrate its commitment to European identity, avoiding a return to power politics or a renationalization of its foreign policy. Berlin wanted to assure its allies of its loyalty and relevance in the evolving geopolitical landscape. This study ultimately seeks to enhance understanding of identity in international relations, focusing on how these two nations navigated their roles amid the Yugoslav wars.