Turkey’s foreign policy is characterized by a pragmatic, interest-based approach focused on maintaining security, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy amid a complex international environment marked by great power rivalry and regional instability. Turkey seeks to balance its commitments within NATO with independent engagements across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, navigating challenges such as the Syrian conflict, counterterrorism threats, and shifting alliances.
Strategic Autonomy and Geopolitical Balancing
Turkey’s foreign policy in 2025 emphasizes preserving strategic autonomy by maintaining flexible alignments with both Western and non-Western actors. The country faces a global system shaped by intense competition between major powers like the United States and China, which impacts trade, military alliances, and technology chains. To safeguard its national interests, Turkey balances selective cooperation with NATO, particularly on defense, while enhancing partnerships with Russia, China, and regional players. This strategic ambiguity allows Turkey to avoid diplomatic isolation and expand its influence on multiple fronts.
Focus on Regional Stability and Middle East Dynamics
The Middle East remains a central concern, with Turkey actively engaging in the post-Assad reconstruction in Syria and addressing security threats from Kurdish groups (PKK/YPG) and extremist cells. Ankara’s goal is to stabilize its southern borders while countering terrorism through military operations and diplomatic pressure on Western allies to reduce support for groups it perceives as threats. The complex regional dynamics also include managing relations with Israel and Iran, supporting peace efforts in Gaza, and navigating evolving Gulf cooperation. Turkey aims to leverage its regional influence to shape a sustainable political transition in Syria and foster cooperation in a highly fragmented environment.
Expanding Influence in Africa and Beyond
Turkey is intensifying its engagement in Africa, focusing on economic partnerships, trade agreements, and infrastructure projects, particularly in the Horn of Africa, North Africa, and the Sahel. This move positions Turkey to compete with traditional global powers like China, France, and Russia that have longstanding influence in the region. Turkey’s growing footprint in Africa aligns with broader geopolitical ambitions to enhance its global role, diversify economic ties, and secure strategic alliances outside its immediate neighborhood.
Counterterrorism and Security Priorities
Counterterrorism is a pillar of Turkey’s national security strategy, addressing threats from PKK/YPG elements and Daesh terrorists operating near its borders. The approach combines targeted military strikes and regional intelligence cooperation, especially with Gulf countries, to combat financing and support networks. Turkey’s ability to manage these persistent security threats while engaging diplomatically with global powers underlines its dual focus on defense and diplomacy.
Turkey in Global Governance and International Cooperation
Turkey retains a critical role within NATO, contributing to deterrence particularly related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but balances this with investments in indigenous defense capabilities and ties with non-NATO countries. It actively participates in global platforms like BRICS and the G-20, signaling ambitions to solidify its position as a regional middle power with broader international influence. Turkey’s engagement emphasizes making the global system more inclusive and fair, reflecting its evolving foreign policy that blends traditional alliances with diversified partnerships and pragmatic cooperation.
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