**Türkiye’s Strategic Geography: A Bridge Between Continents**

 **Türkiye’s Strategic Geography: A Bridge Between Continents**  

Türkiye’s geopolitical significance has long been anchored in its unique position straddling Europe and Asia, controlling critical waterways such as the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. This geography not only makes it a linchpin for NATO’s southern flank but also a pivotal actor in Eurasian energy corridors and trade networks. As the alliance’s easternmost member, Türkiye provides NATO with strategic military access to the Black Sea, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. However, its location also necessitates a foreign policy that engages both Western allies and Eastern neighbours, enabling Ankara to wield influence beyond traditional alliances. This duality has allowed Türkiye to emerge as a mediator in regional conflicts while asserting itself as an indispensable, albeit sometimes contentious, NATO partner.

**Balancing Act: Türkiye’s Complex Relations with NATO and Russia**  

Türkiye’s diplomatic manoeuvring between NATO and Russia exemplifies its pursuit of an autonomous foreign policy. While remaining a NATO member since 1952, Ankara has deepened ties with Moscow, notably through the 2017 purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defence system. This decision triggered U.S. sanctions and Türkiye’s removal from the F- 35 fighter jet programme, straining Western relations. Yet, Ankara has resisted full alignment with either bloc, capitalising on its role as a conduit for dialogue. For instance, it has supported Ukraine with Bayraktar drones while refusing to join Western sanctions on Russia, positioning itself as a neutral broker. Such balancing acts underscore Türkiye’s strategy to maximise its leverage, ensuring neither NATO nor Moscow can sideline its interests.

**Military and Defence: Asserting Sovereignty in NATO**  

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has prioritised military self-reliance, investing heavily in domestic defence industries. The development of armed drones, warships, and the TF-X stealth fighter project reflects Ankara’s ambition to reduce dependency on Western arms. This shift has geopolitical ramifications: Turkish-made Bayraktar drones have been exported to Ukraine, Poland, and Azerbaijan, enhancing Ankara’s clout in conflict zones. Simultaneously, Türkiye has leveraged its NATO membership to secure concessions, such as persuading Sweden to address its terrorism concerns in exchange for backing its NATO bid. While this assertiveness has caused friction, it underscores Türkiye’s determination to be viewed as a sovereign power rather than a subordinate ally.

**Eurasian Diplomacy: Expanding Influence Beyond the West**  

Türkiye’s Eurasian diplomacy has intensified through energy partnerships, cultural ties, and security collaborations. The TurkStream pipeline, developed with Russia, solidifies its role as an energy hub, supplying gas to Southern Europe. Meanwhile, Ankara has cultivated relations with Turkic - speaking states via the Organisation of Turkic States, enhancing economic and military cooperation with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Its support for Azerbaijan during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict bolstered its image as a regional protector. Additionally, Türkiye’s involvement in Syria and Libya—backing opposition groups and signing maritime deals—demonstrates its willingness to project power beyond traditional spheres, often clashing with NATO allies like Greece and France but cementing its status as a key Eurasian player.

**Mediation and Soft Power: Türkiye as a Regional Broker**  

Ankara has increasingly positioned itself as a mediator in global crises, leveraging its cross-regional ties. In 2022, it brokered a UN-backed grain deal between Russia and Ukraine, alleviating global food shortages and earning international praise. Similarly, Türkiye hosted peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, though these yielded limited results. In the Middle East, it has mended ties with Saudi Arabia and Israel after years of tension, seeking to revive its role as a Sunni Muslim powerbroker. These efforts are complemented by soft power tools: Turkish media, aid programmes, and the popularity of its cultural exports reinforce its influence. However, critics argue that such mediation often serves Ankara’s interests, such as easing Western pressure or gaining economic advantages.

**Challenges and Controversies: Strains in Transatlantic Relations**  

Despite its growing influence, Türkiye’s NATO relations remain fraught. Its confrontational stance toward Greece over maritime disputes, coupled with accusations of authoritarianism under Erdoğan, has fuelled scepticism in Europe. The U.S. Congress continues to block F- 16 sales over human rights concerns and the S-400 dispute. Internally, economic turmoil—with inflation exceeding 60% in 2023—threatens to undermine Ankara’s diplomatic ambitions. Furthermore, its ties with Russia risk alienating NATO allies, particularly as Ankara seeks to revive EU accession talks and modernise its Customs Union. Balancing these competing priorities will test Türkiye’s capacity to sustain its dual role as a NATO member and Eurasian power.

**Conclusion: Türkiye’s Ambiguous Power in a Multipolar World**  

Türkiye’s evolving role in NATO and Eurasia reflects a world increasingly defined by multipolarity rather than Western hegemony. By exploiting its geographic and cultural bridges, Ankara has carved out a niche as an independent actor capable of shaping regional dynamics. Yet, its influence is tempered by internal challenges and external pushback. For NATO, Türkiye remains both an asset and a complicating factor—a member that strengthens the alliance’s southern security but challenges its cohesion. As global power shifts eastward, Türkiye’s ability to navigate between competing blocs will determine whether it becomes a stabilising force or a source of further fragmentation. Either way, its growing clout underscores the reality that no resolution of Eurasian conflicts—or NATO’s future—can ignore Ankara’s voice.