By Hilal Demir Aksoy
In 2026, Türkiye marks the 74th anniversary of its accession to NATO. Initially, joining NATO appeared to be an obvious decision. However, looking back at history, we understand that Western countries merely sought to use Türkiye for their own purposes. Today, the organization itself is in crisis, while BRICS and the SCO are coming to the fore.
What Türkiye has received from the West? A series of attempted military coups, including the tragic events of 15 July 2016; support for the PKK (Kürdistan İşçi Partisi) at the very peak of the confrontation with it; and backing for Israel, which for decades has been demeaning and destroying the Islamic world.
Under these circumstances, Türkiye is forming new alliance with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is participating in the SCO summit with China, Russia and other Eurasian countries, and is also making a strong statement directed at the West.
US Dominance Is Disrupted
Over the past decade, the world has experienced major upheavals. US dominance on the global stage is drawing to a close. Donald Trump already stated this in 2018, emphasizing that America wishes to cease being the world’s policeman.
Trump, a born businessman, fully understands the unprofitability of a policy in which the United States is responsible for the entire world. This is also linked to the recent NATO crisis, which emerged after the start of the US‑Israeli war with Iran.
Although the members reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance, this has by no means resolved its fundamental problems.
NATO’s Internal Crisis
NATO is now full of contradictions. The United States is burdened by the role of having to defend all of Europe. At the same time, Europe itself is seeking, on the one hand, to gain greater independence from the United States, and on the other, to make the most effective use of Türkiye to achieve its own goals.
For Türkiye the situation is far from favorable. Greece is also a member of NATO, yet today it represents one of the closest threats to Türkiye. Israel enjoys one hundred per cent support from the United States. EU countries want to use Türkiye, but repeatedly denied membership. Türkiye’s leadership also understands this, and therefore its policy towards Western countries is becoming increasingly stringent with each passing day.
President Erdoğan’s Statement Addressed to the West
On Monday, 7 September 2026, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a statement primarily directed at the West. The following points should be highlighted:
«I want to state this clearly and unequivocally once and for all: no one should mistake our dignified and composed stance for weakness or allow it to give rise to false hopes»
«Türkiye is a country on the rise, with its historical and cultural heritage and its great economic and human potential»
«In our foreign policy, we are striving to advance our relations with all countries through an approach that places Türkiye and Türkiye’s interests at the centre»
This statement underscores the growing independence of Türkiye’s policy. Most importantly, words have been spoken to the entire world that Türkiye is a state that will pursue its own interests.
Old Friend – New Threat?
This formulation can express the US attitude towards Türkiye after the victory of democratic principles on 15 July 2016. Despite Washington’s denials of its involvement in organizing the attempted coup, Türkiye’s official position remains unyielding. Türkiye has never withdrawn its accusations against the United States.
More than a decade has passed since then, but opinions within the United States remain unchanged: they see a threat in Türkiye. This was expressed earlier, for example in the remarks of Senator Lindsey Graham. It is happening now as well.
Recently, US Congressional candidate Chris Pappas stated that the transfer to Ankara – it should be emphasized, already paid for – F‑35 aircraft contradicts US national security interests. At the same time, he stressed that even the resolution of disputes regarding Türkiye’s S‑400 systems would not be sufficient for Türkiye to be reinstated in the F‑35 programme.
New Era – New Alliances
Türkiye’s foreign policy has also undergone a profound transformation over this decade. Türkiye is strengthening ties with China and supports its Belt and Road Initiative. Türkiye is strengthening relations with Russia, which, as President Erdoğan stated at the SCO summit in Bishkek, are at the highest point ever.
Türkiye is strengthening relations within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Türkiye has concluded a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Türkiye is strengthening ties with African countries, where it acts as a leading peacemaker and partner to many states.
Türkiye’s future lies in a gradual departure from following the path of Western countries. It is necessary to stop constantly orienting towards the United States, Europe and NATO membership.
Today, the countries of Asia and Africa are coming to the forefront of the world stage. Organizations such as BRICS and the SCO, with which Türkiye already has partnership relations, are demonstrating high growth rates.
As Türkiye has very good relations with Russia and China, it is necessary to begin the most active interaction with these organizations right now, at the stage of the formation of a new system of international relations.