The Role of Turkey as a NATO Partner
Abstract
Turkey is strategically one of the most essential members of the NATO alliance. Lying astride the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and between Europe and Asia, Turkey is the pivot point for pressures and counterpressures from both East and West. A charter member of the United Nations, Turkey has been an effective proponent of collective security and is a loyal member of NATO. The long-standing and emotion-packed Turko-Greek feud over Cyprus has caused international repercussions and lessened Turkey's effectiveness as a NATO partner. Turkey's predominantly agricultural economy provides one of the lowest per capita incomes in Europe. Although generally weak and currently heavily dependent upon foreign aid, Turkey's economy does have growth potential. Aware of the fact that she blocks the route of Russia's historic aspirations for expansion into the Middle East, Turkey maintains a military force of nearly half a million men and expends almost one-third of her annual budget for defense. Turkey is vital to the defense of NATO and the free world; indeed she is truly the 'anchor' for the southern flank of NATO's defense line. If the Russians gain control of Turkey, they achieve access to the Mediterranean and gain control of the Middle East. If they control the Middle East, they can dominate Africa and outflank NATO and conquer the nations of Western Europe.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA510122
Entities
People
- Norman R. Haley
Organizations
- United States Army War College