Ticari diplomaside sivil toplum kuruluşlarının önemi: MÜSİAD örneği

---

Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: İstanbul Ticaret University, Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü, ULUSLARARASI TİCARET ANABİLİM DALI, Turkey

Approval Date: 2025

Thesis Language: Turkish

Student: OSMAN ÇALIŞKAN

Supervisor: Gencay Karakaya

Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection

Abstract:

In an increasingly globalized world, the interaction between international trade and diplomacy is becoming more complex. Today, interstate relations are not solely considered from a political perspective; economic and commercial factors also play a decisive role in diplomatic processes. In this context, the concept of "commercial diplomacy" emerges as one of the fundamental dynamics shaping international economic relations. Commercial diplomacy encompasses the activities carried out by governments and private sector representatives to enhance economic cooperation, promote trade, and develop investment opportunities. Commercial diplomacy not only regulates economic relations but also strengthens political ties between states. The advancement of trade contributes to the establishment of stronger diplomatic relations between countries and fosters mutual interdependence. In the global economic system, increased trade between nations is regarded as a crucial tool for ensuring peace and stability. Therefore, governments place great importance on commercial diplomacy activities and manage these processes through various organizations. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in the effective execution of commercial diplomacy. The transformation of commercial diplomacy from a process conducted solely by state institutions into a multi-actor structure has increased the influence of NGOs in this field. In Turkey, one of the key organizations responsible for strengthening commercial diplomacy is the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD). MÜSİAD stands out as a prominent NGO that aims to expand Turkey's economic relations by organizing events that encourage economic cooperation, international business forums, and trade delegations. The primary aim of this study is to highlight the significance of commercial diplomacy for the Turkish economy and analyze MÜSİAD's activities in this field. The study examines the theoretical foundations of commercial diplomacy, its importance in the global economy, the contributions of NGOs to diplomatic processes, and MÜSİAD's specific activities in commercial diplomacy. There is a strong relationship between MÜSİAD's commercial diplomacy efforts and Turkey's export growth (Correlation: 0.96, R²: 0.92). Over the past five years, these activities have shown a steady increase, with notable rises in trade agreements following visits to Europe and the Middle East. Consulate general visits concentrated in major cities and connections established with commercial attachés have increased trade and investment collaborations, while participation in global organizations has strengthened ties with international investors and expanded the foreign trade network.