Managing the transition from Pax Britannica to Pax Americana: Turkey’s relations with Britain and the US in a turbulent era (1929-1947)

Abstract

In analyzing Turkey’s relations with Great Britain and the US in a period of drastic change (1929- 1947), this article argues that the origins of the shift in the orientation of Turkish foreign policy from Pax Britannica to Pax Americana not only affected the perceptions and strategies of relevant powers, but also entailed a dynamic interactive process. It asserts that the transition featured aspects of significant change, as well as continuity for the region. It demonstrates that while attempting to bandwagon with the relatively stronger naval, military and economic partner, Turkey also endeavored to pursue a more autonomous foreign policy at various stages of this transition.