Mentorship from the US to Europe: 'Use Turkey, don't get hung up on sidelining law and democracy'

The US-based think tank RAND Corporation has published a report for the European Union, drawing attention to Turkey's strategic importance within NATO. In the article titled 'Turning to Turkey,' it was emphasized that Turkey's military and diplomatic capacity offers a significant partnership opportunity for Europe. The report stated that NATO allies should establish closer cooperation with Ankara, suggesting that Europe should prioritize common strategic interests rather than focusing on internal political developments in Turkey.

TURKEY'S MILITARY POWER AND ROLE IN NATO

In the report authored by RAND analyst Rebecca Lucas, it was noted that Turkey possesses the second-largest army in NATO, and that this power is critical, particularly regarding developments in Ukraine and the Black Sea. It was highlighted that Turkey provides military aid to Ukraine and serves Western strategic interests by restricting Russian naval mobility under the Montreux Convention. Furthermore, it was stated that Turkey's role within NATO is a valuable lever for the West due to its extensive diplomatic and economic networks.

'THE ILLUSION THAT TURKEY WILL BE A WESTERNIZED ALLY MUST BE ABANDONED'

Another notable point in the report was the emphasis that Turkey should be evaluated as a transactional ally rather than an ideological one. With the statement, 'European leaders must abandon the illusion that Turkey will be a Westernized ally,' it was indicated that Turkey should be accepted with its current political realities. Instead, it was suggested that a relationship model be adopted where common interests are more important than ideological alignment.

CALL FOR COOPERATION WITH TURKEY FOR THE US AND EUROPE

In Lucas's analysis, it was emphasized that while Turkey's accession to the European Union does not appear likely, it remains an indispensable partner for NATO. In this context, it was stated that instead of pressuring Turkey, NATO should develop collaborations that align its current independent position with the West. It was noted that Turkey could balance Russian influence in regions such as the Black Sea and Syria, drawing attention to the importance of the West acting in concert with Turkey on these issues.

ADVICE TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO ISSUES OF LAW AND DEMOCRACY

While the RAND report does not offer direct criticism regarding the democracy and legal system in Turkey, it advises European countries to establish strategic cooperation by ignoring political developments in Turkey. This situation points to a NATO policy in which the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Turkey are relegated to the background. The report included the statement, 'Turkey is not an ideal ally, but in today's geopolitical conditions, ideal allies are a luxury that NATO cannot afford.'