Turkish–Israeli Relations

Turkish–Israeli Relations: Democratization, Asymmetry and Regional Crises, 1960–1971 offers a timely reappraisal of a pivotal decade in Turkish-Israeli diplomacy, marked by domestic political change and regional upheaval. Set against the backdrop of Turkey’s 1960 military coup and ongoing instability in the Middle East, this book traces the evolution of Turkish-Israeli relations through three distinct phases – early cooperation, mid-decade stagnation, and eventual decline. Drawing on a rich range of archival sources, including newly integrated Turkish and Israeli documents, the study examines how Turkey’s democratization process, shifting regional dynamics, and key crises – such as the 1964 Cyprus confrontation and the 1967 Six-Day War – shaped bilateral relations. Central to the analysis is the persistent asymmetry in the partnership, with Turkey’s internal politics playing a decisive role in setting the terms of engagement. This book will appeal to scholars and students of Middle East politics, diplomatic history, international relations, and Turkish or Israeli studies, as well as readers interested in the broader intersections of domestic reform and foreign policy during the Cold War era.