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

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council in Turkey interview with Gregory Bloom

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

ATBR board director Gregory Bloom discusses the role of the private sector and business for the future of American-Turkish relations.

Defense Industry Economy & Business

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

Small, smart, many and cheaper: Competitive adaptation in modern warfare

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

T.X. Hammes reflects on the growing role of cheap and adaptable technologies in fighting the wars of tomorrow.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

The F-16 deal is as good for NATO as it is for Turkey

By Andrew Bernard

The recent acquisition of F16s could mean a renewal of trust and relations with a critical aid and missile defense partner.

Defense Technologies NATO
US and Turkish allies conduct airborne assault exercise during Agile Spirit 23

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

US-Turkey relations in an era of geopolitical conflict

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

The third issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY explores developments in bilateral defense cooperation and industrial advancements presenting new and potential opportunities.

Conflict Defense Industry

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

Türkiye and the Russian military threat to NATO

By Yavuz Türkgenci

Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russia continues to pose a major threat to NATO. Leveraging Turkey will be key to the Alliance's response.

Defense Technologies Europe & Eurasia

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

Drones and more: Turkish defense cooperation trends in the air

By Can Kasapoglu

As Turkey's defense industry and technology rapidly develops, Ankara faces big questions over who to partner with and how to present itself to the world.

Defense Industry Drones

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 24, 2024

Sweden’s NATO accession: A twenty-month square dance

By Rich Outzen

Despite concerns over Erdogan's personal ties to Putin, Turkey's slow approval of Sweden's ascension to NATO was rooted in very real issues.

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Unfulfilled potential and budding prospects in Turkish-American ties

By AC in Turkey

The Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY explores the opportunities and challenges of restarting and advancing the US-Turkey defense partnership.

Security & Defense Turkey

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Q&A with General (retired) Wesley K. Clark

Former SACEUR Wesley K. Clark looks back at the fundamentals of US-Turkish strategic cooperation.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Q&A with General (retired) Philip M. Breedlove

Former SACEUR Philip M. Breedlove looks back at his experience managing the US-Turkish defense relationship.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia