From the ancient Silk Road to the modern-day refugee crisis, Turkey and Somalia have been linked by a complex web of economic, security, and political interests. This essay will explore the main factors driving Turkish-Somali relations from 2012 to 2022, and analyze how these dynamics affect each country's foreign policy objectives. Examining the economic and security concerns that have shaped the development of Turkish-Somali relations since 2012, the political and ideological differences between the two countries, the impact of regional powers and international organizations, the potential for increased collaboration, and the role of public opinion, this essay will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of Turkish-Somali relations. By understanding the complexities of this relationship, we can gain insight into the future of Turkish-Somali relations and the implications for both countries’ foreign policy objectives.Since 2012, economic and security concerns have been key drivers of the development of Turkish-Somali relations. In that year, Turkey opened its first embassy in Somalia, a move that signified its commitment to deepening economic ties with the country. This was followed by financial assistance from Turkey in 2015, which was aimed at helping Somalia rebuild its infrastructure and stimulate its economy. In 2017, the two countries signed a military cooperation agreement to bolster their security cooperation and combat terrorism. Finally, in 2019, a free trade agreement was signed to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries. These economic and security initiatives demonstrate the importance of economic and security concerns in driving the development of Turkish-Somali relations since 2012, and support the analysis of how these dynamics affect each country's foreign policy objectives.In addition to the economic and security concerns that have shaped the development of Turkish-Somali relations since 2012, the political and ideological differences between the two countries have also had a significant impact on their respective foreign policy objectives. Turkey is a secular, democratic nation with a strong emphasis on nationalism, while Somalia is a predominantly Muslim nation with a history of tribalism and political instability. Turkey is a member of NATO and has close ties to the United States, while Somalia is a member of the African Union and has close ties to the Arab League. Furthermore, Turkey has a strong commitment to human rights and democracy, while Somalia has a history of human rights abuses and political corruption. Additionally, Turkey has a strong commitment to economic development and free trade, while Somalia has a weak economy and is heavily reliant on foreign aid. These political and ideological differences have had a profound effect on the foreign policy objectives of both Turkey and Somalia, and will continue to shape their relationship in the years to come. Turkey's commitment to democracy and human rights has led to a focus on promoting stability and economic development in the region, while Somalia's reliance on foreign aid has led to a focus on strengthening ties with other African nations and the Arab League. As a result, the two countries have adopted different approaches to international relations, and this has had a significant impact on their respective foreign policy objectives.Additionally, the influence of regional powers and international organizations on Turkish-Somali relations must be considered in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between the two countries. Regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia, have sought to increase their influence in the region by providing financial and military support to Somalia, resulting in increased tensions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as Turkey has sought to maintain its influence in the region. International organizations, such as the African Union, have also sought to mediate between the two countries in order to reduce tensions and promote peace. For instance, the African Union has facilitated negotiations between the two countries in order to resolve disputes and foster cooperation. These regional and international dynamics have had a significant impact on Turkish-Somali relations, and must be taken into account when analyzing the foreign policy objectives of both countries.As the influence of regional powers and international organizations continues to wane, Turkey and Somalia have begun to explore the potential for increased collaboration in the future. In recent years, Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia, providing infrastructure, humanitarian aid, and military training. This has resulted in a strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries, with the possibility of further collaboration. For instance, Turkey has proposed a joint venture between the two countries to develop a port in the Somali city of Bosaso, which could provide a much-needed economic stimulus to the region. Additionally, the two countries have recently signed a military cooperation agreement, which could lead to a more unified approach to security in the region. These collaborative efforts between Turkey and Somalia demonstrate the potential for increased cooperation between the two countries, which could have a significant effect on their respective foreign policy objectives.In addition to the potential for increased collaboration between Turkey and Somalia, public opinion is also an important factor to consider when examining the evolution of Turkish-Somali relations from 2012 to 2022. Public opinion in both countries has been largely shaped by the media, which has often portrayed the other country in a negative light. For instance, in Somalia, Turkish aid and investment has been depicted as a form of neo-colonialism, while in Turkey, Somali refugees have been viewed as a threat to national security. This has resulted in a general mistrust between the two countries, and has made it difficult for them to cooperate on a range of issues. Moreover, public opinion in both countries has been influenced by the actions of their respective governments, which have often been perceived as overly aggressive or hostile. These dynamics of public opinion have had a significant impact on the evolution of Turkish-Somali relations, and will continue to play an important role in determining the future of the relationship between the two countries.In conclusion, this essay has explored the main factors driving Turkish-Somali relations from 2012 to 2022, and analyzed how these dynamics affect each countrys foreign policy objectives. It is clear that economic and security concerns have been the primary drivers of this relationship, while political and ideological differences have also played a role. Additionally, regional powers and international organizations have had a significant impact on the evolution of Turkish-Somali relations. Finally, public opinion has been an important factor in shaping the relationship between the two countries. As the world continues to become more interconnected, it is essential for countries to build and maintain strong relationships with their neighbors. Turkey and Somalia have the potential to form a strong partnership, and this could have a positive impact on both countries’ foreign policy objectives.
