By Rachel Aunspaugh | Disclaimer
It is an understatement to say that Turkey occupies an odd and slightly uncomfortable position in the world. Sitting between Europe and the Middle East, yet not fully a member of either, Turkey offers a unique opportunity for NATO. As one reads more and more about Turkey and NATO, the importance of the relationship only grows.
Historically, Turkey’s leadership has been enthusiastic about its NATO membership, particularly because it hopes NATO membership will lead to its acceptance into the European Union. This enthusiasm is partially the result of its historically good relations with the United States, which lobbied hard for Turkey’s acceptance into the Alliance. Before the US intervened, Turkey’s application for membership had been denied and public opinion in Turkey towards the Alliance grew increasingly antagonistic. That contention dissolved upon Turkey’s full induction into NATO. Militaristically, the US and Turkish armies have a close relationship and share supplies and technology.[1]
Turkey owes NATO gratitude in one important respect: the Alliance has succeeded in defusing the tension between Turkey and Cyprus that has been brewing for decades. If NATO understands that Turkish membership in NATO helps constrain Turkish foreign policy in ways which are advantageous for itself, Turkey continues to be an asset to the alliance.
Several facts work in Turkey’s favor in NATO opinion. First, Turkey has the second largest fighting force in NATO, behind the United States, including about half a million active duty personnel and 900,000 reserves, mostly due to compulsory military service. Not only that, Turkey has enthusiastically joined major NATO missions since its admission in 1952.[2] For example, it contributed 4,500 troops to the UN war effort in Korea, where they suffered the heaviest casualties and effectively earned their membership in the Alliance.[3]
Experts have noted that Turkey holds a key advantage for the EU, NATO, and the UN as a bridge from the Western world, geographically as well as ideologically, to the Middle East, and particularly to Muslim nations.[4] Such a position should be exploited as much as possible, since connection with the Middle East is so difficult for Europe and especially for the US. Turkey has also proved a stabilizing force in the wake of the Balkans conflict.
So much for history. In my next blog post, I’ll look at what recent events have meant for the NATO-Turkey relationship.
[1] Zürcher, Erik J. Turkey: A Modern History. New York: IB Tauris and Company, Ltd., 1997 (link)
[2] Gorvett, Jon. “Friends in High Places?” The Middle East 348 (August-Sept 2004): 10[2]
[3] Yesilbursa, Behcet K. “Turkey’s Participation in the Middle East Command and its Admission to NATO, 1950-52.” Middle Eastern Studies 35.4 (Oct 1999): 70
[4] Michael M. Gunter, “Turkey’s Floundering EU Candidacy and Its Kurdish Problem.” Middle East Policy, Vol. XIV, No. 1, Spring 2007 (link)
[5] Kösebalaban, Hasan, PhD. “Turkey’s EU Membership: A Clash of Security Cultures.” Middle East Policy, Vol. IX, No. 2, June 2002
http://oxfordir.org.uk/2008/10/10/turkey-and-nato-a-tempestuous-relationship/
Filed under: Middle East, Turkey
