On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council Turkey Program hosted a discussion on Turkey’s evolving role in a new geopolitical and security order.

This year promises to shine an international spotlight on Turkish foreign policy, especially as it is set to host the 2026 NATO Summit—a critical time for the allies and European partners to chart a path forward amid global political and security uncertainty. As Turkey positions itself as a key diplomatic player and security actor in the Middle East, Caucasus, Balkans, and beyond, its regional role, trade linkages, defense capabilities, and reach are drawing increasing attention, presenting opportunities and implications for the United States, Europe, and other partners, as well as for evolving regional alliances.

This event examined how Turkey’s foreign policy and transatlantic engagement are evolving in response to changing regional and global dynamics.

Speakers

Rich Outzen
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Turkey Program,
Atlantic Council

Brenda Shaffer
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Global Energy Center,
Atlantic Council;
Research Faculty Member
US Naval Postgraduate School

William Wechsler
Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs,
Atlantic Council

Defne Arslan
Senior Director, Turkey Program,
Atlantic Council

Moderated by

Pınar Dost
Nonresident Fellow, Turkey Program,
Atlantic Council

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The Atlantic Council 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 defense.

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