A Shifting Centrality: The Evolution of Turkish Strategic Posture

Abstract

This article examines the changing patterns in Türkiye’s strategic and military posture since the establishment of the Republic, with a focus on the developments, and changes, since the 1980s. Originally based on the two principles of deterrence and collective security, this view has later developed in other directions. In the 1980s, this posture started to shift as Türkiye became a more assertive regional player, and the domestic civilian–military balances were changing. This evolution would emerge more visibly under the AKP, as a new perception of the Turkish geographical centrality brought the country to play a pro-active regional and international role, exemplified by the emergence of Türkiye as a peacekeeping actor with an aggressive economic foreign policy. In this period, the Turkish strategic view evolved, making active engagement and forward defense two pillars of a new approach.