Introduction
Turkey has set a number of historic targets for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic, which will be celebrated in 2023; these include being among the top 15 economies of the world, raising gross domestic product (GDP) to $1,080 billion, rising per capita income to $12,484, increasing exports to $226.6 billion, reducing the unemployment rate to 9.9 percent and holding inflation to consistently low, single-digit figures.1 Politically, Ankara envisages achieving the highest levels of intellectual and value-oriented democracy, a competitive and knowledge-oriented economy, a progressive and innovative foreign policy, and cultural rejuvenation in line with Turkey’s ancient history, fulfilling its role as a connection point between the East and West and further integrating with the international community.2 These goals are ambitious, but if realized, they would make Turkey the first economic power after Indonesia among the predominantly Muslim-majority countries. Turkey is well aware that in order to realize its 100th anniversary goals, it should first and foremost endeavor to build up its soft power; since countries need both soft and hard power to exert political influence and engage successfully in economic markets.
