NATO’s Southern Flank: The Evolution of Türkiye’s Strategic Role and Its Implications for Regional Security

Yıl 2023, Cilt: 12 Sayı: 5, 2951 - 2968, 31.12.2023

Birol Akduman

https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.1293582

Öz

This article delves into the progressive development of Türkiye's strategic function within NATO, and what it signifies for regional security along the Alliance's Southern Flank. Türkiye, as a crucial NATO member since 1952, has steadfastly assumed a considerable part in the organization's collective defense, thereby bolstering the stability of the region. The article offers a historical review of Türkiye's involvement in NATO, tracking its journey from joining the Alliance during the initial Cold War years to navigating the more intricate security milieu of the post-Cold War era. The focus then shifts to the geopolitical challenges faced by NATO on its Southern Flank, particularly in the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea region. Within this context, the article analyzes Türkiye's evolving strategic role, including its military capabilities and growing defense industry, diplomacy, and soft power initiatives, as well as its efforts to balance relations with NATO, Russia, and other regional actors. The article also explores Türkiye's strategic decision to acquire the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a move that underscores Türkiye's commitment to diversifying its defense capabilities and enhancing its national security, while also navigating the complex dynamics of international alliances and NATO's evolving security landscape. Subsequently, it discusses the possible advantages and hurdles that could arise from Türkiye's dynamic strategic role in regional security and on NATO's Southern Flank. Key topics addressed include the reinforcement of NATO's defense capabilities, the enhancement of regional security cooperation, and potential strains within the Alliance. The piece wraps up with an evaluation of future prospects for Türkiye's strategic function in NATO and the implications for regional security. This underlines the significance of maintaining a united and adaptable NATO that can adeptly respond to the evolving security challenges in the region.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Black Sea Region, Eastern Mediterranean, Geopolitical Challenges, NATO, Regional Security, Türkiye

NATO'nun Güney Kanadı: Türkiye'nin Stratejik Rolünün Evrimi ve Bölgesel Güvenlik Üzerine Etkileri

Öz

Bu makale, Türkiye'nin NATO içindeki stratejik rolünün evrimini ve bu rolün İttifak'ın Güney Kanadı'ndaki bölgesel güvenliğe etkilerini incelemektedir. 1952'den bu yana kritik bir NATO üyesi olan Türkiye, örgütün kolektif savunmasında önemli bir rol oynayarak bölgesel istikrarı güçlendirmiştir. Makale Türkiye'nin, NATO'ya katıldığı Soğuk Savaşın ilk yıllarından, Soğuk Savaş sonrası dönemin daha karmaşık güvenlik ortamına dek süregelen yolculuğunu takip ederek Türkiye'nin NATO'daki rolüne tarihsel bir bakış sunmaktadır. Ayrıca, NATO'nun Güney Kanadı'nda, özellikle Ortadoğu, Doğu Akdeniz ve Karadeniz bölgelerindeki jeopolitik zorluklar üzerine odaklanılmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, Türkiye'nin artan stratejik önemi, askeri kapasitesi, genişleyen savunma sanayi, diplomasi ve yumuşak güç stratejileri ile NATO, Rusya ve diğer bölgesel aktörlerle olan ilişkilerinin dengelenmesi analiz edilmektedir. Makale, Türkiye'nin Rus S-400 füze savunma sistemlerinin temini ve bu durumun NATO'nun birliği ve etkinliği üzerindeki etkilerini de değerlendirmektedir. Ayrıca, Türkiye'nin bölgesel güvenlikte ve NATO'nun Güney Kanadı'nda üstlenebileceği dinamik stratejik rolün avantajları ve karşılaşılabilecek engeller tartışılmaktadır. Ele alınan başlıca konular arasında NATO'nun savunma yeteneklerinin güçlendirilmesi, bölgesel güvenlik iş birliğinin artırılması ve İttifak içindeki potansiyel gerilimler yer almaktadır. Makale, bölgedeki güvenlik zorluklarına etkin bir şekilde yanıt verebilen uyumlu ve birleşik bir NATO'nun öneminin vurgulandığı, Türkiye'nin NATO içindeki stratejik rolünün geleceğe yönelik beklentilerine ve bölgesel güvenlik üzerindeki etkilerine dair değerlendirmelerle sonlanmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

NATO, Türkiye, Bölgesel Güvenlik, Orta Doğu, Doğu Akdeniz, Karadeniz

Destekleyen Kurum

DEÜ Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi

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