Turkey’s Foreign Policy: The Monsieurs’ Unease Explained
**The Monsieurs, a term referring to those who aspire to embody Western culture, are increasingly anxious about Turkey’s assertive foreign policy initiatives spanning across various regions such as Karabakh, Libya, Somalia, and Qatar. The strategies implemented by Turkey have caused not only disruption but also unease among these individuals, who are often disconnected from the core interests of their own country. The term ‘monsieur’ is used somewhat pejoratively in Turkey to describe diplomats and politicians who condescend to the populace, viewing Turkey through a foreign lens rather than a national one. Historically, this group has faced derision, with nicknames like “Sweetwater Syphilis” and “monşer” emerging to characterize their attitude since the dawn of Westernization.
The mindset of the Monsieurs extends beyond the realm of diplomacy, infiltrating various domains such as academia, business, journalism, and even the civil-military bureaucracy. They typically hold a perspective that favors maintaining a harmonious relationship with Western powers over pursuing an independent foreign policy. This sentiment is expressed through a reluctance to challenge Western norms, suggesting an adherence to assembly production in technology rather than fostering innovation. The overarching belief among the Monsieurs is one of imitation, wherein they argue that original thoughts and ideas cannot arise from their context, effectively stifling creativity across cultural and artistic fields.
The response of the Monsieurs to Turkey’s involvement in places like Libya and Karabakh has been overwhelmingly dismissive. When discussing Turkey’s military presence in Libya, they pose a rhetorical question, “What are we doing in Libya?” In the case of Karabakh, they hastily claim that Turkey is merely facilitating the movement of jihadists, disregarding the geopolitical realities at play. This downplaying of Turkey’s strategic actions serves to highlight their deep-seated discomfort with Turkey’s self-assured regional posture.
Concerns have also arisen regarding Turkey’s increasing diplomatic footprint in Africa, with critics within the ranks of the Monsieurs questioning the necessity of expanding diplomatic missions in the continent. Furthermore, they voice skepticism over Turkey’s advancements in its defense industry, often labeling these developments as mere shows of bravado. The discontent expressed by the Monsieurs underscores a growing realization that Turkey’s foreign policy might be on the right trajectory, indicating that these criticisms stem from a place of fear rather than genuine concern.
