Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Within the Atlantic Council’s longstanding commitment to strengthening the transatlantic relationship, the Atlantic Council Turkey Program conducts research, provides thought leadership, and offers a platform for strategic dialogue between the US, Turkey, and NATO allies to address the region’s toughest challenges and explore opportunities, including in the fields of energy, business & trade, technology, defense, and security.

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Defense Journal

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In-depth research & reports

From energy relations to issues related to Syrian refugees in Turkey, the Atlantic Council Turkey Program’s in-depth research serves to enlighten transatlantic policymakers and business leaders on issues about Turkey.

Featured documentary

Do Seagulls Migrate?
An Atlantic Council documentary

As the Syrian civil war marks a decade of destruction and displacement, millions of refugees are forced to endure harrowing journeys and create new lives from scratch. Do Seagulls Migrate?, the Atlantic Council’s first ever documentary, chronicles the lives of four Syrian women who fled their war-torn homes to seek survival, prosperity, and a new life in Turkey. Do Seagulls Migrate? reveals the refugee experience first-hand as Reem, Khloud, Inam, and Reem M. share their emotional journeys, forge new experiences, care for their families, and build new careers.

Do Seagulls Migrate? has been selected for screening at four film festivals: Prague International Film Festival 2021, 10th Antakya International Film Festival, Germany International Film Festival 2023, Nice International Film Festival 2023, and the 7th Golden Tree International Documentary Film Festival.

Related content

Experts

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

In the News

May 31, 2025

Rich Outzen appeared on Indian media WION (India) to discuss Russia-Ukraine talks

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

In the News

May 20, 2025

Rich Outzen interviewed for a story in Newsweek on “Turkey’s Erdogan Has Become One of World’s Most Powerful Men—And Trump Ally”

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

In the News

May 16, 2025

Pınar Dost talked to DW on Russia-Ukraine talks

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Events