Turkey’s relationship with NATO has strained under diplomatic missteps and Turkey’s interest in BRICS and ties with Russia and China. However, this strategic diversification should not alarm NATO allies, who could benefit from a partner in these circles.
At the NATO summit in Washington, DC, Turkeys role in the alliance will be a key topic of discussion, particularly in light of its continued interest in diversifying international partnerships beyond the West. The summit will give Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the chance to reiterate his commitment to the alliance and reassure NATO members that his cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the delay of Sweden’s NATO membership should not raise concerns about Turkey’s role in NATO.
A nuanced understanding of Turkeys motivations behind the so-called axis shift, including its efforts to diversify strategic and economic partnerships beyond the West and NATO, can mitigate some of these concerns. While acknowledging significant issues with some of the decisions of the Turkish government, such as the S-400 crisis, NATO would gain more by engaging Turkey rather than alienating it, thus maintaining an ally with influence extending beyond the historical borders of the West.
Turkey has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 1952. However its relationship with the alliance has often been complex and controversial. In this article we’ll take a closer look at Turkey’s history with NATO and examine some of the tensions that have arisen between Turkey and other NATO members over the years.
Turkey’s Early History with NATO
Turkey formally joined NATO in February 1952, making it one of the first countries to join the alliance after its initial founding members.
Turkey’s motivation for joining NATO was driven largely by security concerns. In the aftermath of the Second World War, Turkey wanted protection against potential aggression from the Soviet Union. By joining NATO, Turkey gained the backing of the US and other major Western powers.
Shortly after joining NATO, Turkey contributed troops to the Korean War in support of the UN forces. This helped bolster Turkey’s credentials as a valuable NATO ally.
In the 1950s and 60s, Turkey played an important strategic role for NATO by controlling access to the Black Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. NATO allies established military bases in Turkey, including the key Incirlik Air Base.
Strains in Turkey’s NATO Relations
While Turkey has been an important NATO member for decades, its relations with the alliance have gone through periods of tension and crisis.
One source of strain has been Turkey’s long-running tensions with fellow NATO member Greece. The two countries have clashed repeatedly over territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea and over the division of Cyprus. These disputes have hindered cooperation between NATO allies.
Turkey’s human rights record has also been controversial within NATO. Especially since the failed 2016 coup attempt Turkey has cracked down heavily on dissent and free speech under President Erdogan. This has led to strains with other NATO members.
More recently, Turkey’s growing ties with Russia have alarmed other NATO allies. Turkey has purchased advanced Russian S-400 missile defense systems despite opposition from the US and NATO. This deal raised concerns about security and technical compatibility with NATO systems.
Ongoing Importance Within NATO
Despite periodic tensions, Turkey remains an important NATO member today for several reasons
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Turkey has NATO’s second largest military after the US, giving the alliance important capabilities and manpower.
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Turkey’s strategic location near Russia and the Middle East provides NATO with important geographic access and influence.
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NATO military infrastructure in Turkey, especially Incirlik Air Base, supports alliance operations in the region.
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Turkey contributes thousands of troops to NATO missions in places like Afghanistan and Bosnia.
Turkey’s Future with NATO
Turkey seems likely to remain a NATO member for the foreseeable future. However, strains in the relationship could resurface depending on regional developments. Issues to watch include:
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Ongoing human rights issues under Erdogan’s rule
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Potential escalation of tensions with Greece over Cyprus or other disputes
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Turkey strengthening ties with Russia despite opposition from NATO allies
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Disagreements over conflicts in Muslim countries like Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh
The history of Turkey in NATO shows a complex relationship. While Turkey has been an important member, tensions and crises have emerged periodically over 70 years. Ongoing dialog and compromise between Turkey and other NATO members will be needed to keep Turkey integrated in the alliance.
Turkey is NATO, We Are NATO – #WeAreNATO
FAQ
Is Turkey in NATO now?
Does Turkey support Russia or NATO?
Who is Turkey’s biggest ally?
Did Turkey leave NATO in 2024?
Is Turkey a headache for NATO?
He was responding to frustration in the Western alliance over Ankara’s opposition to the admission of the two traditionally neutral countries that felt compelled to join the grouping by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey has become a headache for NATO. But recent geopolitical events have shown that it’s one the alliance will have to tolerate.
What problems does NATO have with Turkey?
It was the first expansion of NATO after its founding in 1949. That makes the problems NATO is having today with Turkey all the more curious. Once fearing the Soviet Union, Turkey now is out of step with NATO policies in its friendliness with Moscow, buying Russia’s weapons and refusing to join U.S.-led sanctions against the Russian government.
Is Turkey a member of NATO?
Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952, has its second largest army and is the host of the Allied Land Command headquarters. The Incirlik and Konya Airbases have both been involved in several NATO military operations since their establishment. The current Ambassador to NATO is Zeki Levent Gümrükçü. [ 1][ 2]
Why did Turkey join NATO?
And so in 1952, Turkey joined NATO, hoping to bolster its aspiration to a Western identity and to ensure its security, especially against an ascending Soviet Union. It was the first expansion of NATO after its founding in 1949. That makes the problems NATO is having today with Turkey all the more curious.