Exploring impacts of the Syrian refugee crisis on German and Turkish political relations between 2015 and 2021: from the German perspective

Abstract

Due to the fluctuating interests of states, the international environment has a complex and ever-changing structure. In these circumstances, governments work in their best interests to adapt to the shifting world order. Türkiye and Germany have historically had cordial ties, which have deepened on an economic, political, and cultural basis, testifying to a more profound interdependence between Türkiye and Germany. The Syrian conflict has become one of the most important crises in international affairs. This crisis has significantly impacted the political parties and cultural influence of several nations, including Germany and Türkiye. When the issue of Syrian refugees became a concern for Germany and Turkey, increased ties and partnerships were unavoidable, and a new decision-making mechanism was established in various areas. Hence, a unique aspect has been added to structures that reinforce interdependence, such as political communication, economic links, and foreign policy in Germany. This study will describe Turkey-Germany relations considering the material provided. It will be claimed that Germany and Türkiye are already mutually dependent on one another and that this interdependence has grown because of the refugee crisis. This situation is also noticeable from the German political parties' points of view.