Agent-Structure Relations in Foreign Policy: An Analysis of Turkey-Syria Relations During the Arab Spring on a Dynamic Foreign Policy Analysis Model

Abstract

The main focal point in this study analyzing the change of Turkey-Syria relations during the Arab Spring is the agent-structure problem. The change that took place in Turkey-Syria relations is analyzed in the light of "the beginning of the demonstrations in Daraa and the Siege of Hama", "shooting down of Turkish RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft", "violation of rules of engagement", and "Operation Euphrates Shield" in the framework of Dynamic Foreign Policy Analysis Model (DFPAM) developed by Carlsnaes based on Margaret Archer's Morphogenetic Approach. It is concluded that Turkey's Syria policy changed in the process as a result of the interaction with the "structure" and that these foreign policy actions led to a new structuring at the same time.