Abstract:

Although the concept of public diplomacy has had long history, its meaning and tools have been changing, which also leads to increase its role in foreign policy. This article analyzes the public diplomacy of Turkey and Iran, regarding their foreign policies towards Syria between 2010 and 2016. Within this framework, the bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran will be questioned whether these two regional powers could create opportunities for collaboration on regional conflictual issues.   This study found that there is a significant correlation between the utilization of public diplomacy tools and the foreign policy approaches of Iran and Turkey in the case of Syria. It found that this correlation has been so much delicate and fragile based on preserving the status quo or limiting other sides’ influence; it has naturally made them more curious and concerned to their policies as a kind of direct or indirect response, which emerged in the media of both countries. As a result, this paper mainly argues that the media in both Turkey’s and Iran’s public diplomacy plays crucial role and reflects the low possibility to ensure bilateral cooperation on regional issues, especially on Syria. 

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