This thesis is a study on modelling the Turkish
perception of foreign policy options regarding the water
conflict between Syria and Turkey. A game theoretical model
is used to analyze the current situation of the water
conflict. Assurance Game is used as a model to analyze the
conflict in question. It is argued that, Turkey perceives
the current situation as an assurance game. In this study,
the analysis showed that, a cooperative policy for the
resolution of the conflict from the Turkish perspective is
in fact the source of the conflict for the Syrian side. The
paradox inherent in the perception of the conflict by both
parties to the conflict makes it hard to reach a resolution.
The study showed that, resolution of the current conflict,
from the Turkish perspective, is the cooperation of both
states regarding the linkage established between the water
conflict and the alleged Syrian support provided for PKK
terrorism in Turkey.
