Turkey’s Syria Policy Since 2011: Intervention, Diplomacy and Strategic Transformation

Abstract

Since 2011, Turkey has emerged as one of the important external actors in the Syrian conflict, influencing its military, political, and geopolitical trajectory. But at the same time Syrian conflict had a significant impact on Turkey. This paper analysis Turkey's multidimensional involvement in Syria through five interrelated dimensions. It first examines the Turkey's early diplomatic and political engagements in the early phases of Syrian uprising from 2011-2014. After that, the study analyses at how Turkey's military policy has changed especially with regard to its cross-border operations in northern Syria. It further examines that how Turkey managed the Syrian refugee crisis and the domestic socio-economic and political repercussions arising from it. The paper also assesses Turkey's diplomatic balancing within the Astana Peace Process. Finally, it examines Turkey's growing influence in Post-Assad Syria after the collapse of Assad regime in December 2024. Turkey’s Syria policy reflects a process of strategic adaptation influenced by changing regional dynamics, security concerns and geopolitical rivalry. Although Due to Turkey's involvement in Syrian crisis it suffered some substantial military, political and economic costs. But due to Ankara's intervention ultimately allowed Turkey to solidify its strategic dominance in northern Syria and establish itself a main actor in the formation of post Assad Syria. The paper concludes by examining the prospects and challenges Turkey faces in Post Assad Syria, along with assessing the broader impact of the Syrian crisis for Turkey's role in the region.