The publication of a joint declaration by NATO leaders at the end of the summit's second day in Ankara has renewed attention on Türkiye's expanding role in the alliance, with security experts pointing to Türkiye's growing strategic weight within the alliance amid evolving internal and external threats.
“We have sharp differences across the Atlantic, there are two threats; one is external and the other is internal.” Edward P Joseph, a foreign policy lecturer and analyst at Johns Hopkins University, told Daily Sabah.
Türkiye hosted the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara on July 7-8, with leaders issuing a final declaration reaffirming their “unwavering commitment” to Article 5, the alliance’s collective defense clause, and to the transatlantic bond.
“Russia represents a threat. Iran also, we have to say, represents a threat,” Joseph said.
“An attack against one ally is an attack against all allies,” the declaration said, adding that NATO’s unity, solidarity and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security and prosperity for 1 billion citizens across the alliance’s free and democratic nations.
