Abstract:

The scope of this study is to investigate Turkey’s policy towards Eastern Mediterranean from 2009 to 2020, following the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in the region using the theoretical framework of Copenhagen School’s Securitization Theory. As a theory driven foreign policy analysis, this article puts forward the process of constructing an existential threat to a referent object and calling for urgent and extraordinary measures to deal with the threat. Using the theoretical framework provided by Securitization Theory, this study analyzes the discourses and images used by Turkey during the securitization process of Eastern Mediterranean. The ethical and institutional support that legitimizes the actions taken presents a successful securitization case. In line with the predictions of the theory, extraordinary measures taken by Turkey such as maritime boundary treaties, possession of seismic research and drilling vessels, and NAVTEX declarations are examined. By using Securitization Theory as a foreign policy analysis tool, this article aims to contribute to the literature with an empirical implication of the theory.

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