Davutoğlu, Ahmet

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Ahmet Davutoğlu, 1959–, Turkish politician. Before entering politics, he taught political science and international relations at Marmara Univ., Beykent Univ., and other institutions. From 2003 to 2009 he was an adviser to Prime Minister Erdoğan, then served as foreign minister (2009–14). He worked to increase Turkey's influence in the Balkans and Middle East, and to secure Turkey's membership in the European Union. Davutoğlu was first elected to the Turkish parliament (2011), as a member of the Justice and Development party (AKP). When Erdoğan was elected president (2014), Davutoğlu succeeded him as head of the AKP and prime minister. Davutoğlu has written numerous books and articles on foreign policy, including Strategic Depth (2001).