This book examines Turkey's position in the world at the end of the Cold War. An account of Turkey's political history, society, and economy helps determine what degree of credence to attach to the claim that Turkey is an island of stability in a troubled area extending from the borders of the European Union to China. The author describes Turkey's foreign relations with the West, in general, and the European Union, in particular, and also with its Middle Eastern neighbors, Greece and the ex-communist countries, including the Turkic republics of the former Soviet Union. The emphasis is on Turkey's ability to support Western efforts to bring political stability to the region and to enter into partnership with Western economic enterprise.

Foreword
Summary
Introduction
The Maturing of a Nation-State
The Kurds
Growing Pains in the Economy
The Social Scene
The Religion of Turkey
Joining the Rich
The Turkic World
A Regional Power
Philhellenes and Turcophiles
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index

ANDREW MANGO was for 14 years in charge of broadcasting in Turkish for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and later headed the BBC's South European Service and its French Language Service. The former publisher of Turkey Confidential, a monthly newsletter on Turkish Affairs, Dr. Mango is an honorary research associate of the Modern Turkish Studies Program at the University of London and has lectured at the Royal College of Defence Studies.