The Korean War And Turkish-American Relations

The Korean War And Turkish-American Relations

This study provides an in-depth examination of the impact of the Korean War, which took place between 1950 and 1953, on the relations between Turkey and the United States. Based on primary sources obtained from the Turkish General Staff Military History and Strategic Studies Directorate Archive and the Prime Ministry Republic Archive, the work analyzes the motivations behind Turkey’s decision to participate in the Korean War and the repercussions of this decision on bilateral relations within the framework of the “bandwagoning” theory. Archival documents reveal how factors such as the goal of NATO membership, the search for allies against the Soviet and communist threat, and the continuity of economic and military aid shaped Turkey’s foreign policy preferences. Addressing a critical moment in the Cold War era, this study provides a detailed examination of developments in the fields of security and economics, serving as an important reference source for those seeking to understand the historical origins of Turkish-American relations. Offering a unique perspective for academics, historians, and readers interested in international relations, this work examines one of the turning points in Turkey’s orientation toward the Western alliance.