Turkey, the United States and the Delusion of geopolitics

Abstract

US–Turkish relations have been driven by a narrow concept of geopolitics. Today, the key questions are not geographic or theoretical – whether Turkey is a bridge or a barrier, a flank or a front – but how Turkey will act, and whether Turkish and American policies are convergent or divergent. For decades, the relationship between Ankara and Washington has been described as ‘strategic’ – sustained and supportive of the most important objectives of both sides. The strategic quality of the relationship can no longer be taken for granted. A reinvigorated strategic relationship is possible, but is likely to have quite different contours, with new forms of engagement and more realistic expectations.