Features and priorities of foreign policy of Turkey in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa

This paper examines the features of Turkish foreign policy in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. The attempt to analyze the influence of Ankara on global and regional processes has been made. The author examines the phenomenon of “neo-Ottomanism” in the context of regional policy of Turkey. The special attention is paid to the manifestations of this phenomenon in the post-Soviet region and the Middle East, as well as “soft power” in Turkish diplomacy. Nowadays Turkey is positioning itself as a global player, which is involved in the main geopolitical processes and is trying to extend its influence to neighboring regions. It is concluded that the combination of military and political potential with “soft” instruments gives Ankara the opportunity to declare itself as an authoritative regional and global leader. The authors predict possible directions of Turkish foreign policy in the near future.