Net Assessment Turkey's More Independent Foreign Policy
Mar 2, 2023
Aaron Stein, chief content officer at War on the Rocks, dives into Turkey's evolving foreign policy. He discusses Ankara's shift towards a more independent stance and its implications for U.S. interests. The duo examines historical tensions, Turkey's complex relationship with Russia, and the Kurdish issue's impact on security. They also consider how NATO should adjust to Turkey's dual roles and what the upcoming elections mean for Turkish-U.S. relations. Expect insight into the fighter jet debacle and the challenges of democratic backsliding in Turkey.
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Reset The Turkey Debate Around Facts
- Washington's debate about Turkey became polarized and detached from Turkey's actual behavior.
- Aaron Stein and Nick Danforth wrote the report to refocus analysis on Turkish actions and regional perceptions.
A Functional Yet Transactional Alliance
- U.S.-Turkey ties are functional but inherently transactional and sometimes dysfunctional.
- The Biden administration manages the relationship by leaning into that transactionalism to protect U.S. interests.
History Shows Allies Clash On Core Interests
- Historical crises (Cyprus, Iraq) show allies' interests often clash and require careful management.
- Christopher Preble uses these episodes to argue for realistic expectations of allied behavior.