How US intelligence and anti-communism have shaped Turkish Politics to this day

This paper examines the enduring influence of U.S. intelligence and anti-communist strategy on Turkish politics. From the early Republic’s repression of leftist movements to the CIA-backed rise of far-right forces like the Grey Wolves, Türkiye's political trajectory has been shaped by Cold War dynamics and covert interventions. The author argues that this legacy continues under Erdoğan, whose consolidation of power is facilitated by historical suppression of the left and strategic ties with the West. Europe, facing a shifting global order, must reassess its dependence on Türkiye and the U.S., and assert a sovereign, democratic foreign policy rooted in law and values.

The views expressed in this document are solely those of the Author and do not reflect CeSPI’s official position.