Soft Power Potentials of European Union and Turkey: A Comparative Analysis

The purpose of this study is to analyze the soft power impact of the European Union, a supra-national body exerting its power in the economic sphere rather than in the military field such as nation states, in establishing its inspiring and appealing exceptional structure and the soft power of Turkey in a comparative perspective. For the purpose of this analysis, the soft power of the EU is examined and evaluated with a holistic approach besides dwelling on the soft power activities of the EU’s Big Four, namely Germany, United Kingdom, France and Italy. We already know that Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership, has been affected by such activities for a long time. In this respect, the point that should be inquired is how much the EU is affected from Turkey. That is why we believe that this study will shed light on the soft power and public diplomacy dimensions of EU-Turkey relations.