Examining the Complex Relationship Between Turkey and the United States

The relationship between the United States and Turkey has undergone significant changes in recent years. While Turkey remains a NATO ally and security partner of the U.S., tensions have emerged on several fronts that raise questions about just how friendly the two countries really are.

Background on U.S.-Turkey Relations

Turkey has been a key ally of the United States since the early years of the Cold War, joining NATO in 1952. The U.S. and Turkey share important strategic interests, including confronting terrorism and stabilizing the Middle East. American military forces have long operated out of bases in Turkey.

Economically, the US. and Turkey enjoy robust bilateral trade exceeding $20 billion annually The U.S. is among Turkey’s top sources of foreign direct investment. Culturally, the Turkish American community numbers around 500,000.

Cracks Emerge in Post-Cold War Era

In the post-Cold War period, U.S.-Turkey ties have become more complicated. With the Soviet threat gone, the two nations’ priorities are no longer as aligned as they once were.

Several issues have strained relations

• Turkey’s denial of use of its territory for the 2003 Iraq invasion soured U.S. views.

• The U.S. has harbored concerns about Turkey’s worrisome democratic backsliding under Erdogan.

• Turkey bitterly opposes U.S. support for Kurdish militias in Syria linked to the PKK terror group.

• Turkey’s growing ties with Russia – including buying advanced air defense systems – alarm the U.S.

Divergence on Core Interests

Today, the U.S. and Turkey diverge on various core interests:

• Syria: The U.S. aligns with Kurdish militias against ISIS, while Turkey sees them as mortal threats.

• Russia: Turkey cultivates closer Russia ties, as the U.S. seeks to isolate Russia.

• Iran: Turkey opposes U.S. sanctions on neighboring Iran.

• Israel: While the U.S. is close to Israel, Turkey’s Erdogan frequently bashes Israeli policies.

• Democracy: The U.S. criticizes Turkey’s human rights record under Erdogan’s rule.

Ongoing Military Cooperation

Despite political tensions, Turkey and the U.S. maintain significant defense cooperation:

• Turkey hosts key U.S. and NATO military bases, including Incirlik air base.

• The U.S. stores nuclear weapons in Turkey as part of NATO defense posture.

• Turkey has long purchased advanced U.S. weaponry, including F-16 fighters.

• The countries conduct joint military exercises and share intelligence.

Uncertain Future for U.S.-Turkey Ties

It remains unclear whether the post-Cold War strains in U.S.-Turkey relations are temporary or will lead to a more permanent estrangement between the NATO allies.

Several factors could help improve relations:

• Shared interests in Middle East stability and counterterrorism.

• Turkey’s desire to avoid over-reliance on Russia.

• Economic interdependence between the U.S. and Turkey.

• Cultural and people-to-people ties.

However, significant trust deficits pose obstacles:

• U.S. concerns about Turkey’s deepening authoritarianism under Erdogan.

• Conflicting strategic visions for the Middle East.

• Turkey’s blossoming ties with U.S. adversaries like Russia.

The U.S.-Turkey relationship seems set to go through unpredictable ups and downs for the foreseeable future. While not outright hostile, recent tensions reveal the two nations are more uneasy friends than close allies compared to the past.