While many observers complain about the fact that the UN is basically nothing more than a politically rather impotent gathering of the world's representatives -- and in many cases this might even be true -- in theory, and hopefully again in practice, the UN will indeed become the world's democratic watchdog, platform for change and creator of peace and solidarity.
Let me first elaborate on the word "milestone." Borrowed from its most common usage as can be found in scientific analysis and research undertakings, a milestone is clearly distinguishable from a mere deliverable. In EU diplomacy and politics and from a candidate country's perspective, a deliverable would be to have completed a certain task. For example, to establish a network of health-related inspection cycles with regards to selling meat in supermarkets. A milestone would be to have opened and closed that particular sub-chapter as part of the wider EU agriculture, food, public health and safety acquis. Hence, there are at least 33 such milestones on Turkey's path to becoming a full EU member. (While the EU acquis communautaire as such comprises 35 chapters for Turkey in total, two are currently "empty" until further topics in particular about institutional issues arise.)
With regards to the UN Security Council, there was another milestone whose stipulations had to be accomplished long before last week's vote took place in New York. I am talking about the fact that by now, Europe and the wider world perceive Turkey as a stable democracy, of course with its minor flaws as can be found in any other democracy, and are now ready and willing to entrust huge responsibility upon it.
It took Turkey many years to demonstrate that ability and readiness to the world. It took many years of careful lobbying, too.
In a nutshell: A much coveted seat on the UN Security Council has been won, more and more EU acquis chapters will be opened, İstanbul was accepted as the European Capital of Culture for 2010, Turkey will probably be "EU ready" before the EU seems to be "Turkey ready" and the next seven-year EU budget deliberations from 2012 onwards are hopefully the last hurdle before a firm date for EU accession is finally given, ideally coinciding with the implementation of that EU budget come the year 2014 -- we live in fascinating times.
How can Turkey make the best use of its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council?
First, it would be wrong to use the "UN card" to put pressure on Cyprus. Turkey should show restraint insofar as to be diplomatic, statesmanlike and up to the task -- a seat at the UN table requires a lot of responsibility in viewing topics from almost all angles. Not all countries do -- but there is a champion's league within the "League of Nations," too. Turkey just became its latest member. The mandate for the years 2009-2010 should be used as a window of opportunity to show to the world that Turkey not only wants but more than merits to influence and direct international politics and policies. The mandate must be used to build lasting friendships amongst present-day and future leaders, too.
Second, Turkey must work as closely as possible with the EU states within the UN and in particular with France and the UK as its permanent Security Council members. Building alliances in New York could facilitate building "political bridges" in Brussels. Turkey is not one of the eight former communist satellite states that the EU swallowed in 2004 to enhance its sphere of political influence. Turkey can and will decide for itself whether the terms and conditions for full membership are acceptable or not. Having "global" support will not harm.
Third, while most news stories being broadcast from within Turkey still only focus on domestic events -- as important as they may be -- globalization is indeed here and here to stay. I hope that the exposure to global concerns via being part of the UN Security Council will help Turkish civil society to finally and once and for all realize that Turkey can only survive as part of that global community but never again as an isolated nation state.
Turkish politicians will debate global terror, conflict in Africa and an independent Kosovo, to name but a few topics. Iran and North Korea will be on the agenda, too. Debating is perhaps the wrong word -- Turkish politicians will be invited to cast a vote on these items.
Clever lobbying paid off -- because the product was right. The Turkey of 2008 is not the same Turkey it was back in 2002. Turkey in 2014 will not be the Turkey of 2008 either. The European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 was fundamentally different from the EU of 2008, too. Welcome to the club of nations that embrace change and are no longer afraid of it.
