Ankara 2026: NATO Summit Pivotal for Alliance's Future

The 2026 NATO summit in Ankara convenes at a critical juncture, with the alliance's future hinging on political unity and European self-reliance. The choice of Ankara, hosted by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a leader known for navigating between the West and other spheres, underscores the complex geopolitical balancing act NATO faces.

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the art of being simultaneously inside and outside the West

Leaders are set to reaffirm their commitment to collective defense and the transatlantic bond. However, this commitment is tested by the unpredictable stance of US President Donald Trump, who has previously questioned NATO's value and the US commitment to its defense. His potential return to power casts a shadow over the alliance's security guarantees.

NATO confronts five significant challenges. Russia remains a primary military threat, rebuilding its forces despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the US potentially scales back its military presence in Europe, European nations must shoulder more responsibility for their own security, raising questions about leadership and influence within the alliance. Divergent views between the US and European allies on conflicts, such as the one involving Iran, have also strained political trust.

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paper tiger

Furthermore, NATO must adapt to evolving threats like cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, and the growing alignment between Russia and China. The summit's success will be measured not by grand new strategies, but by its ability to prevent the erosion of existing commitments and maintain solidarity in a rapidly shifting global security environment.

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The bar, therefore, could not be lower. Success in Ankara today is measured not by what will be built, but by what will not be demolished.