Creative Commons

This dissertation was written as part of the MSc in Black Sea & Eastern Mediterranean Studies at the International Hellenic University. This dissertation studies both theoretically and practically the doctrine of "Strategic Depth" of Ahmet Davutoğlu, the former Prime Minister, former Foreign Minister of Turkey, close associate of the current President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and now president of Future Party (Gelecek Parti). The present dissertation consists of four main chapters which approach the Turkish exodus to the wider Eastern Mediterranean region and whether this is done according to classical geopolitical theories and according to most important geopolitical scientists. The basic ideas of the most famous geopolitical schools are analyzed, which largely have determined the decisions of many states, as well as the views of their most famous representatives. A study will be conducted around Davutoğlu's book ''Strategic Depth'' and will analyze Turkey's main aspirations in the Eastern Mediterranean region under study, as well as at strategic points such as the Black Sea, the Bosporus Strait, the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. The aspirations and applications of "Strategic Depth" on the part of Turkey are analyzed and the question of whether they are in line with the classical geopolitical theoriesis examined. Finally, a study was conducted on the application of the Davutoğlu doctrine by the current AKP government and whether it complies with the rules of international law based on international treaties, while presenting personal views on the future implementation of both the "Strategic Depth" and "Mavi Vatan''.