Turkey's Evolving Role in a New Global Geopolitical and Security Order

Why It Matters

Turkey’s balancing act—leveraging NATO membership while expanding independent regional influence—reshapes security, energy, and diplomatic dynamics across Europe, the Middle East, and Eurasia, affecting alliance cohesion and the strategies of other middle powers. Policymakers and businesses must account for Ankara’s growing ability to broker outcomes and tilt regional alignments.

Summary

Speakers at the Atlantic Council event argued that amid a perceived shift away from a US-led rules-based order, Turkey is consolidating its role as a middle power by pursuing strategic autonomy through hedging, expanded defense and energy self-sufficiency, regional mediation, and diversified partnerships. Ankara has normalized ties across its neighborhood since 2021, deepened defense cooperation with Ukraine while avoiding sanctions on Russia, and maintained heavy dependence on Russian energy. Engagement with the United States and aspirations for upgraded EU ties continue alongside persistent bilateral disputes, underscoring Turkey’s dual strategic weight as a NATO member with independent regional ambitions. Panelists framed Turkey’s posture as both a response to U.S. retrenchment and an effort to secure influence in a more contested global order.

Original Description

The Atlantic Council’s Turkey Program hosts a discussion on how Turkey’s foreign policy and transatlantic engagement are evolving in a changing regional and global order.