How Turkey became NATO’s indispensable partner – and a major force on the global stage

The recent NATO summit in Ankara confirmed Turkey's significant evolution from a sometimes difficult ally into one of the alliance's most influential strategic powers. Hosting the summit for only the second time in its history, Turkey signaled its central role in contemporary geopolitics.

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When NATO leaders gathered in Ankara on July 7 and 8, 2026, for the alliance’s annual summit, it was clear that this was more than another diplomatic event. It was a strategic declaration.

Ankara is no longer on the sidelines of the Atlantic alliance; its decisions now shape regional dynamics from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. This position is maintained despite Turkey's complex relationships with allies, including its purchase of Russian weapons systems and frequent points of tension with Washington. The nation holds some of NATO's most critical strategic assets, including the second-largest land army.

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Turkey – long regarded as a complicated and at times problematic member of the Atlantic alliance – hosted a NATO summit for only the second time in its history, following the Istanbul summit in 2004.

As the US encourages Europe to shoulder more of the security burden, Turkey is positioning itself as an indispensable partner. It leads the Black Sea mine clearance task force and is vital for defending NATO's southern flank. Turkey also emphasizes that threats from its southern border, such as terrorism and regional instability, require the same attention as challenges in Eastern Europe, a message that gained prominence at the Ankara summit.

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The message was clear. Ankara is no longer sitting on the alliance’s sidelines. It has become a pivotal state whose decisions influence the region stretching from Eastern Europe to the Middle East.

Beyond its military contributions, Turkey's strategic importance is amplified by its geography. In an era of disrupted shipping and energy supplies, Turkey is emerging as a crucial hub for gas and oil pipelines connecting Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. This role in energy transit significantly bolsters Ankara's standing, making it a key player not only in military security but also in ensuring Europe's energy stability.

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As the US signals its desire for Europe to assume a greater share of the security burden, Turkey is positioning itself as a partner that is difficult to replace.