TURKIYE- Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on what Turkey should do in today's rapidly globalizing world. A summary of his column is as follows:
Countries which are unable to take advantage of the process of globalization and refuse to be a part of the rapidly interconnected world are doomed to be left behind. Turkey has been trying to join the ranks of the modern world since its establishment nearly 80 years ago. Although many of us want very much to jump on the unstoppable globalization bandwagon, our country still suffers from certain deficiencies, namely a lack of relevant experience and the easy inertia of sticking to the status quo. However, we should see that there is no way out. If we can't adapt the protean nature of the new world, we will soon find ourselves in history's dustbin. Turkey should see that it cannot help but be touched by the ever- changing circumstances of the globalized world. Today, everyday seems to bring another international meeting and anti-globalization groups are raising their voices in protest of the new world order. We shouldn't look down on these groups or consider them harmful. Systems which lack a healthy opposition are doomed to collapse. Criticism keeps systems alive and dynamic. In such a world, countries which cannot comprehend the complex nature of globalization and thus try to stand apart from the newly emerging balances should not expect a better future for themselves. Turkey should remember this.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION