Burak Yalım
TUIC Academy Director
Türkiye in a Multipolar World
The international order is no longer defined by a singular hegemonic power but rather by an increasingly multipolar landscape where regional actors exert significant influence. Türkiye, long seen only as a NATO ally and a bridge between the East and the West, has repositioned itself as a strategic power in its own right. This shift is not a reaction to global instability but a deliberate move toward greater strategic autonomy. While Western-centric analyses often depict Türkiye’s foreign policy as unpredictable or transactional, they fail to grasp the deeper logic driving Türkiye’s engagements. This article argues that Türkiye is not just a regional player but a crucial architect of emerging global power dynamics, leveraging military innovation, economic diversification, and diplomatic assertiveness to carve out a new role on the world stage.
Türkiye’s Foreign Policy: Shaping, Not Following
Türkiye does not merely adjust to international shifts—it actively influences them. Its diplomatic engagements are not a precarious balancing act but a demonstration of sovereign decision-making. Türkiye has significantly expanded its diplomatic presence worldwide, operating 252 posts as of 2023, positioning it as the third-largest diplomatic network globally, following China and the United States. Türkiye’s diplomatic missions in Africa have increased from 12 in 2002 to 44 by 2022, underscoring its commitment to the continent. This growth has facilitated Türkiye’s role in mediating conflicts, such as the recent tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, where Turkish diplomats have fostered dialogue. This expansion reflects Türkiye’s strategic intent to actively influence international affairs.
Expansion in its diplomatic missions and proactive diplomacy enabled Türkiye to mediate international conflicts, as seen in its role in the Ukraine-Russia grain deal, ensuring global food security amid war tensions. Türkiye has also played a critical role in brokering agreements, including facilitating negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia, highlighting its proactive approach to conflict resolution beyond its immediate region.
NATO: A Strong Member with Independent Priorities
Türkiye is an indispensable NATO ally, yet it has received insufficient support when addressing security threats such as PKK terrorism and regional instability. NATO’s selective solidarity has led Türkiye to bolster its self-reliant security doctrine, ensuring that external pressures do not compromise its interests. The expectation that Türkiye should be a passive extension of NATO’s strategic goals is outdated and strategically naive. Türkiye in a Multipolar World
Engaging with Russia, China, and the Gulf states is not a betrayal of the West but an assertion of geopolitical pragmatism. Türkiye is constructing a regional security architecture that integrates economic and strategic cooperation beyond the limitations imposed by Western alliances. Türkiye’s influence in Africa, Central Asia, and the Balkans highlights its historical and cultural depth, reinforcing its position as a natural leader beyond NATO’s narrow framework. Türkiye in a Multipolar World
Türkiye’s Military Strategy: A Vision of Self-Reliance
Türkiye’s military expansion is not a reactionary move but a strategic imperative. While some Western narratives portray it as an unpredictable actor, Türkiye’s defence strategy is built on self-sufficiency, deterrence, and regional security.
Türkiye’s success in military innovation, particularly Bayraktar drones (TB2, Akıncı) and SIHAs, has redefined modern warfare, with exports exceeding 30 countries and bringing in billions of dollars annually. The TCG Anadolu, Türkiye’s first aircraft carrier, solidifies its maritime dominance and ability to project power beyond its immediate region. Strategic partnerships with Pakistan, Qatar, and Azerbaijan ensure that Türkiye is not isolated but at the forefront of regional defense cooperation. Türkiye’s military bases have expanded significantly from just a few in 2000 to over 10 globally in 2025, including critical locations in Somalia, Libya, and Qatar. This expansion underscores Türkiye’s commitment to securing strategic corridors and ensuring regional stability through a strong military presence. Türkiye in a Multipolar World
Türkiye has demonstrated its ability to manage conflicts independently, securing national and regional interests in Syria, Libya, and the Caucasus. The Montreux Convention grants Türkiye strategic control over the Black Sea, a key leverage point in global maritime security. Türkiye’s military assertiveness is a response to the security vacuum left by indecisive Western policies.
Economic Power: The Driving Force Behind Strategic Autonomy
Türkiye is not merely diversifying its economy but actively reshaping global trade routes. Its economic engagements are based on long-term resilience, not dependency.
Türkiye is expanding trade with China and Russia, not as a substitute for the EU but as part of a broader strategy of economic self-sufficiency. The Middle Corridor Initiative, which enhances connectivity between Europe and Asia, places Türkiye at the heart of global trade networks. Energy partnerships with Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Libya secure Türkiye’s long-term energy independence, reducing reliance on volatile Western markets. Türkiye’s GDP has increased from $200 billion in 2000 to over $1.2 trillion in 2025, positioning it among the world’s top 20 economies. However, internal economic challenges such as inflation, currency fluctuations, and high external debt remain hurdles to sustaining long-term growth. Despite these obstacles, Türkiye’s strategic positioning in global trade and robust industrial base provide substantial potential for further economic expansion.
The EU remains Türkiye’s largest trading partner, but Brussels’ inconsistent policies have hindered Türkiye’s full economic potential. Rather than waiting for EU accession, which may never come, Türkiye is building economic alternatives that allow it to thrive independently. Türkiye’s growing influence in Africa through trade and investment demonstrates its ability to lead in emerging markets without Western mediation. Türkiye in a Multipolar World
Türkiye as a Pillar of the New Global Order
Türkiye is no longer an actor that waits for approval from Western institutions—it is an active partner in creating the new world order. Its foreign policy, defence strategy, and economic engagements reflect a proactive vision that aligns with modern geopolitical realities.
At the 2024 Organization of Turkic States – OTS Summit, Türkiye reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic ties through enhanced trade agreements and infrastructure development, including the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor Initiative. Türkiye has played a leading role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, fostering closer cooperation with members (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) and Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as observers. With initiatives ranging from economic connectivity projects to cultural diplomacy and security collaboration, Türkiye has positioned itself as a central pillar of the Turkic world. By leveraging shared historical and cultural ties, Türkiye is reinforcing its geopolitical position and contributing to the emergence of the OTS as a significant player in international affairs.
Türkiye has also strengthened its participation in multilateral organizations such as BRICS and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Seeking more significant economic and diplomatic leverage, Ankara has explored closer ties with BRICS nations to diversify its economic alliances beyond the Western financial system. Moreover, as a key actor within the OIC, Türkiye has promoted initiatives that foster Muslim unity and economic cooperation. President Erdoğan’s recent diplomatic tour to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan underscores Ankara’s commitment to deepening ties with Muslim-majority nations and enhancing strategic collaboration in trade, defence, and technology. Türkiye in a Multipolar World
Rather than being a peripheral NATO member expected to absorb Western security risks, Türkiye is charting a course that ensures its sovereignty, security, and strategic influence. Euro-centric analyses often fail to grasp this transformation, relying on outdated notions of alliance politics. The real question is not whether Türkiye should align itself exclusively with the West but whether the West is ready to adapt to a world where Türkiye is a proactive player and independent power.
Türkiye’s recent success in the Syrian Revolution and the eventual downfall of the Assad regime serve as a testament to its strategic patience and long-term vision. While Western nations hesitated, Türkiye remained committed to supporting the Syrian people, balancing military interventions with humanitarian efforts. Due to its principled stance, this victory did not come without costs—Türkiye has faced significant domestic challenges, economic strains, and security threats. However, history has proven that geopolitical transformation requires time, effort, and resilience. The internal repercussions are undeniable, but in the end, Türkiye’s ability to influence its regional security environment and uphold its strategic goals validates its independent approach to global affairs.
The time for waiting is over. Türkiye is already shaping its role in the future of global politics, and the world must take notice.
Burak Yalım – TUIC Akademi Director
