Rethinking NATO Through Türkiye’s Lens

With the start of the second Trump administration, a pressing question has surfaced in European capitals: Can the United States and NATO still be trusted to deter Russian aggression?

This uncertainty has ignited debates about strengthening European arms and defence structures. While this may seem like a new strategic awakening in Europe, for Türkiye these concerns are far from novel, argues Professor Yaprak Gürsoy in a new article for the LSE Conflict and Civicness Research Blog.

While its strategic location and military strength have made it a vital member, Ankara has frequently found its national security priorities at odds with its Western allies. Türkiye’s historical scepticism, shaped by both geopolitical realities and collective memory, has evolved into a strategy of hedging – balancing between East and West – while building up its defence capabilities. As the global order becomes more fragmented and transactional, Türkiye’s approach may offer a glimpse into the future of deterrence strategies and Alliance politics.