Can tensions between Turkey and NATO be contained?

Can tensions between Turkey and NATO be contained?

For decades, Turkey’s membership to NATO has been seen as a stabilising force. NATO helped anchor the country in the western world and cool tensions with neighbouring Greece. But 21st century Turkey is a more assertive power. It has interests in the Middle East and Central Asia – and those may not sit comfortably with its role in NATO. Last year, NATO expelled Turkey from its programme to build the F-35 fighter jet, designed for use throughout the alliance. That followed Ankara’s decision to buy a sophisticated Russian anti-aircraft defence system, the S-400. This week two US senators – a Republican and a Democrat – sent the state department a letter demanding sanctions on Turkey after reports that the S-400 was used to track Greek fighter jets during a naval exercise in the eastern Mediterranean. All of which begs the question: What do Turkey and NATO want from each other? And can those interests be reconciled? Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom Guests: Robert Hunter – former United States ambassador to NATO Fabrice Pothier – International Institute of Strategic Studies, and former director of policy planning at NATO Yusuf Alabarda – retired colonel, Turkish Armed Forces