The Defense Journal by Atlantic Council in Turkey is a publication covering the latest developments in the United States-Turkey defense relationship and analysis on the full spectrum of defense and security issues affecting the United States, Turkey and the region. Featured experts include current and former policymakers, thought leaders and journalists.

The journal aims to be an independent platform with first class expertise on timely topics of interest to enhance dialogue and understanding between Turkish and American defense communities.

“The complexity of the US-Turkey relationship is only exceeded by its significance. The Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY breaks down the opportunities, challenges, and regional developments driving bilateral as well as regional relations.”

Frederick Kempe, President and CEO, Atlantic Council

Strategic transactions and bilateral defense ties have formed the backbone of the US-Turkey alliance for decades. Yet, we have fallen short of developing a thorough defense affairs dialogue between the two nations’ strategic communities. This Defense Journal aims to meet the pressing need for expert, contextually-grounded information on strategic and defense issues of common interest in Washington, Ankara, and areas affected by the relationship between the two. The conflict in Ukraine has illustrated that these two powerful allies can influence regional crises in a strategically complementary manner when carefully coordinated—while the conflict in Syria has demonstrated how misalignment can harm the interests of both. Unfolding geopolitical turbulence in contemporary international affairs, coupled with various flashpoints mushrooming around the globe, necessitate a viable US-Turkey accord more than ever. Hereby, we aim to augment the intellectual foundations and deepen collective understanding of a viable convergence between these two important NATO allies.

From Rich Outzen & Can Kasapoglu, Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY Co-editors

Honorary advisory board

The Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY‘s honorary advisory board provides vision and direction for the journal. We are honored to have Atlantic Council board directors Gen. Wesley K. Clark, former commander of US European Command; Amb. Paula J. Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs; Gen. James L. Jones, former national security advisor to the President of the United States; Franklin D. Kramer, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs; Lt. Gen. Douglas E. Lute, former US Ambassador to NATO; and Dov S. Zakheim, former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Defense.

The Atlantic Council IN TURKEY, which is in charge of the Turkey program, aims to promote and strengthen transatlantic engagement with the region by providing a high-level forum and pursuing programming to address the most important issues on energy, economics, security, and migration.

Content

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Turkish-American defense and energy partnerships suit the new transatlantic landscape

By Gregory Bloom

In the new transatlantic landscape, a stronger US-Turkey partnership in many ways has become a strategic necessity.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Report

Jun 2, 2025

In Syria’s fragile transition there’s a glimmer of a more stable Middle East

By Charles Lister

Despite the risks and unknowns, prioritizing on shaping a stable and capable central government in Syria should be the only option on the table for the US and NATO.

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Report

Jun 2, 2025

2024 in the rear view

By Rich Outzen

The developments and changes in the security and defense environment of 2024 carry significant implications for the US, Turkey, and their NATO partners in 2025.

Conflict Defense Industry

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Q&A with Haluk Bayraktar

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

The CEO of Baykar discusses his company's pioneering role in the drone industry.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Q&A with Dov Zakheim

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

Defense Journal Honorary Advisory Board Member Dov S. Zakheim discusses the recent tensions between US allies Israel and Turkey, and the potential role of the US as a mediator.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Transatlantic relations and a region in flux

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

The fifth issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY assesses key dynamics as we enter a new era.

Central Asia Conflict

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Hyperwar, artificial intelligence, and Homo sapiens

By Can Kasapoğlu

With the rise of autonomous weapon systems in distributed battlegrounds, the neuroanatomical outlook of warfare may be evolving into a new reality.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Technologies

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Why the Middle Corridor matters amid a geopolitical resorting

By Karel Valansi

As an influence war is intensifying over transit routes, the West must immediately recognize the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor.

Central Asia Economy & Business

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Dec 3, 2024

Uğur Tarçın, Retired Lieutenant General

Dr. Tarçın graduated from the Turkish Military Academy in 1981, the Army Aviation School in 1985, and the War College in 1994. He holds two master’s degrees in War Studies and Organizational Management and is an alumnus of the U.S. Army Management College (1995). Throughout his NATO career, he served in Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Belgium, […]

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Dec 3, 2024

NATO in an evolving geopolitical landscape

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

The fourth issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY explores the future of NATO in the context of changing transatlantic relations and regional security issues.

Conflict Defense Industry