In this report, RAND researchers assess the key challenges confronting the US-Turkish partnership over the coming decade, and recommend possible initiatives to sustain it during what is likely to be a turbulent period.
The researchers focus on the political, social, and economic trends that are changing Turkey’s internal dynamics and global interests; explore Turkey’s changing relations with key neighbors and partners; and compare how Turkey’s interests and those of its neighbors and partners converge, diverge, or are in conflict. Finally, the researchers assess the implications of these trends for Turkey’s future course, U.S. defense planning, and the U.S. Army.
A key finding is that while US-Turkish relations will remain volatile as Turkey seeks to balance relations with traditional allies and Eurasian neighbors, a major breach can be avoided.