This thesis aims to analyze the Turkish foreign policy towards the State of Israel in a historical perspective and to examine how the foreign policy perceptions of the AKP Government having Islamic roots that came to power in 2002 affected this policy. The thesis argues that, historically, the Western connection of the Turkish Republic has determined the Turkish foreign policy towards Israel and the foreign policy perceptions of the AKP Government strengthened this connection rather than weakening it. It is argued that, the fundamental reason underlying this situation is the efforts of the AKP Government to use its compromising foreign policy as a leverage against the constitutional legitimacy question it faced in domestic politics. As a result, during the AKP era, it is concluded that, Turkish foreign policy towards Israel has not undergone fundamental changes at least as long as the domestic legitimacy question exists.

The paper analyzes Ahmet Davutoglu’s “Strategic Depth” doctrine and its implications for Turkey’s new foreign policy. The author explores determinants, historical framework and traditional inputs of Turkish foreign policy, as well as long-term strategic objectives, directions, dilemmas and limitations of modern Turkey in the quest for leadership role in the West Asian and the Balkans regions. / Работа посвящена анализу концепции «стратегической глубины» Ахмета Давутоглу и ее влияния на формирование новой внешней политики Турции. Автор раскрывает ключевые факторы и исторические особенности внешнеполитического процесса в Турции, выявляет долгосрочные стратегические цели, направления, альтернативы и ограничения современной Турции в ее борьбе за лидерство в Западной Азии и на Балканах.