Ukraine war boosts Erdogan's 'new Atlanticism,' but for how long?
Turkey’s westward focus may complicate, or complement, Ankara’s previous priority of Eurasia.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has swung the pendulum for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from the “Eurasianism” that ultimately lies in his heart back to Turkey’s traditional “Atlanticism.”
He and members of his Cabinet are going out of their way now to stress Ankara’s commitment to the West and the NATO alliance.
The role Ankara is playing in efforts to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv, based on Turkey’s unique position as a NATO member that enjoys good ties with Russia and Ukraine, is also gaining Erdogan kudos from the West.
Aware of Turkey’s strategic position on the map with regard to Russia and crucial energy routes, European leaders, for their part, appear to have also put aside their dislike for Erdogan because of his authoritarian and anti-democratic ways.
