The US policy towards European integration: teh case of Turkey’s accession to the EU

ABSTRACTMost academic studies on the process of European integration do not pay much attention tothe international system and its requirements. The process of European integration is usuallyanalyzed as being a consequence of internal dynamics. However, European integration is notsolely dependent on internal dynamics. The external dynamics should also be emphasized asindependent variables. This thesis aims to look at the picture from the perspective of the solehegemonic power, the United States (US), and analyze Turkey’s accession to the EU fromthat perspective. Washington conceives the continent of Europe as a springboard to Eurasia,center of the world according to many geo-politics theories. Moreover, Washingtonconsidered European enlargement, a means of wide spreading western values of democracyand liberalism to these regions. Washington’s relationship with Turkey has always beenfounded on strategic considerations. Turkey is a pivotal state in the region. Moreover, Turkeyhas had western orientation since the early days of its foundation. It has been endeavoring tobecome a member of the European club. Thus, Turkey has the potential to inspire itsneighboring regions and influence them to orient toward western institutions and values. Insum, anchoring Turkey to western institutions is the main reason for Washington’s support forTurkey’s accession to the EU. Washington’s view of the EU enlargement as a duty ofEuropeans in order to share their burdens in transatlantic cooperation overlaps with theWashington’s vision of Turkey’s accession to the EU