Quo vadis Türkiye? The future of Ankara relations with the West

Türkiye’s relationship with the West is at a crossroads. Long bound by deep institutional, economic, and societal ties to Europe and the United States, Ankara is now navigating a shifting global landscape-marked by growing tensions with traditional allies over Syria, democratic governance, and the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, Türkiye is cultivating new partnerships with emerging powers, from BRICS to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Is this a strategic pivot or tactical diversification?

This analysis by Metin Yücekaya traces the historical roots of Türkiye’s Western orientation, unpacks the sources of today’s intra-alliance friction, and explores whether a more pragmatic, less ideological partnership with Europe could offer a way forward. What emerges is a nuanced portrait of a country balancing continuity and change in a rapidly evolving world order.