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 22, 2023

Continuity and change in Turkish foreign policy

By Alper Coşkun

Internal and external dynamics have prompted Turkey to restore clearheadedness in foreign policy.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Can the US, Israel, and Turkey collaborate to contain Iran?

By Ron Tira

All three actors are, or at least should be, concerned about the challenges posed by Iran.

Iran Israel

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Prospects for US-Turkish convergence on Syria

By Rich Outzen

Syria has long been a point of deep contention in US-Turkish relations. Is there a potential for change?

Conflict NATO

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Turkish-Ukrainian defense partnership in a new geopolitical realm

By Can Kasapoglu

The Turkish-Ukrainian strategic partnership would mark a promising opportunity for Western military industries in the post-Soviet space.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Prospects for an improved US-Turkish strategic relationship

By Lt. Gen. (ret.) Nihat Kökmen

US approval of the sale of F-16s, aircraft modernization kits, and return of Turkey to the F-35 program are key to improving ties.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Amb. Alper Coşkun

Alper Coşkun is a senior fellow within the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. His research focuses on Turkish foreign policy, especially in relation to the United States and Europe. 

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Colonel Ron Tira (Res.)

Colonel Ron Tira (Res.) is the author of The Nature of War: Conflicting Paradigms and Israeli Military Effectiveness as well as other books and publications. Currently a businessman and a reservist at the Israel Air Force’s Campaign Planning Department, Tira is a former fighter pilot with nearly 40 years of experience in airpower, intelligence and special operations.

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

Lt. Gen. (ret.) Nihat Kökmen

Ret. Lt. Gen. Kökmen was born in Eskişehir, Turkey in 1959. After completing his primary school education in Şafaktepe Primary School (Ankara) and high school education in Sincan High School (Ankara), he joined the Turkish Air Force Academy in 1977.

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

General Philip M. Breedlove

General Philip M. Breedlove is a former Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR #17) and a retired four-star general of the United States Air Force. As the SACEUR, he was also Commander of the US European Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany.

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Jun 22, 2023

General Wesley K. Clark

General Clark serves as Chairman and CEO of Wesley K. Clark & Associates, a strategic consulting firm; Chairman and Founder of Enverra, Inc. a licensed investment bank; Chairman of Energy Security Partners, LLC; as well as numerous corporate boards including BNK Petroleum and Leagold Mining. He is active in energy, including oil and gas, biofuels, electric power and batteries, finance, and security.