Business as Usual: the U.s.-Turkey Security Partnership

Abstract

The direction Turkey’s domestic politics has taken in recent years, Turkey’s aspira- tions for greater latitude in shaping region- al politics, and the incongruity of Turkey’s security interests with the policy objectives of its Western allies have all contributed to these troubles. Yet, the alarmists accusing Turkey of abandoning the West are em- bracing a one-sided and distorted narrative that further antagonizes Ankara and deepens the rift with its Western allies.The path to a robust alliance that can address the myriad challenges in the Middle East and beyond is a constructive dialogue between Turkey and its allies aimed at identifying the fulcrum that balances Turkey’s legitimate security interests with the broader objectives of its allies.