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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Iraq Wars Shaped Modern Turkish Calculus
- Turkey's refusal to grant U.S. access in 2003 stemmed from domestic politics and security fears.
- That refusal and subsequent Iraq fragmentation shaped decades of Turkish security concerns.
Kurdish Partnerships Drove A Major Rift
- U.S. use of Kurdish partners against ISIS strained ties because Ankara prioritized Kurdish threats.
- Washington prioritized fighting transnational jihadists, deepening Turkish mistrust.
Playing Both Sides With Russia And NATO
- Turkey plays both Russia and the West to maximize economic and strategic benefits.
- Erdogan treats ties with Putin as functional, leveraging trade, tourism, energy, and defense deals.