The Turkish-American Alliance at the Heart of NATO’s New Geopolitics

For 74 years, Türkiye and the United States have stood together as NATO allies, building one of the most enduring and consequential partnerships in the history of the Alliance. Rooted in shared values and a common commitment to transatlantic security, this partnership has weathered the defining challenges of seven decades, from the Cold War to the fight against terrorism, and from the Balkans to Afghanistan. Today, that legacy of solidarity continues to shape NATO’s response to an increasingly complex and volatile world.

As NATO navigates one of the most consequential periods in its history, Türkiye’s geographic position, military capabilities, and diplomatic reach place it at the intersection of the Alliance’s most pressing challenges. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to shifting power dynamics in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye and the United States continue to work hand in hand, reinforcing their shared commitment to collective defense and regional stability. As NATO’s second-largest military force, Türkiye’s contributions to the Alliance remain indispensable, a testament to seven decades of deep bilateral cooperation.

Ahead of the NATO Summit in Türkiye, the SETA Foundation at Washington D.C. is pleased to host a panel discussion examining Türkiye’s strategic role within NATO, the strength of the Turkish-American partnership, and the opportunities shaping the Alliance’s new geopolitical reality. This event is supported by the Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye.

Speakers 

Çağrı Erhan, Chief Advisor to the President, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Security and Foreign Policies Council 

James Jeffrey, Distinguished Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy 

Rich Outzen, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council

Roger Kangas, Board Member, Caspian Policy Center

Moderator 

Kadir Ustun, Executive Director, The SETA Foundation at Washington DC