Differing from other studies on Turkey-U.S. relations, this report examines the key actors in U.S. domestic policy and their perspectives about Turkey, theoretically discusses the regional approaches in Turkey-U.S. relations based on their own dynamics, and finally emphasizes the economic and social dimensions of Turkey-U.S. relations.

This report does not focus on the historical background of the bilateral relations. On the contrary, the economic and social dimensions of the relations as well as the parameters, which determine the approaches of the two states towards regional issues, are the focal points of this report.

The report is divided into three parts....

The internal dynamics of the U.S. and influences of different actors on the foreign policy should not be underestimated while examining Turkey-U.S. relations.

Unless Turkish officials and lobbies are able to determine the right actors to engage with in their advocacy, their efforts may fell short or turn out to be no avail. Although the president is the most important figure in determining American foreign policy, the attitudes of Congress and the public are influential at critical points.

The perception of an omnipotent American president is not right. Some topics are beyond the president’s authority to shape and direct, and...

The Obama Administration has expanded the scope of Turkey-U.S. bilateral relations and even elevated the description from the ‘strategic partnership’ of the Clinton and Bush years to a ‘model partnership’.

The model partnership aims to extend bilateral relations beyond the military and strategic basis and envisages a relationship between equals. According to Füsun Türkmen, the model partnership has three dimensions: strategic, economic, and social/values. “The strategic dimension will continue to form the backbone of the relations. The economic relations have to be enhanced. The social/values dimension is the least developed and should include values such as democracy and human rights.”²⁷...

Turkey has to consider the actors in U.S. domestic politics other than the administration while setting policies toward the U.S. Turkey should also take into account the internal dynamics of U.S. domestic politics and aim to develop economic and social dimensions of the relationships with the United States.

Ensuring that these actors support Turkey’s interests or at least don not obstruct them will allow these approaches to be implemented as U.S. policies in favor of Turkey. That is why it would be more effective to try to get the support of these actors directly instead of expecting the President to...