Publication

This paper explains how the consolidation of power achieved by the religious-conservative AKP party raises questions about the future strategic orientation of Turkey. It also discusses the tensions in Turkey's relations with the US and its difficult negotiations with the EU. The author states that a fundamental reconsideration of the country’s Western alignment is unlikely, while it remains quite possible that a larger role for Ankara in the regional politics of the Near and Middle East could be in line with the interests of the West. The paper explains that one such precondition, however, would be for Europe and the US to offer Turkey the prospect of comprehensive foreign and security policy cooperation.