The Evolution of NATO’s Three Phases and Turkey’s Transatlantic Relationship

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of NATO as a security community in three phases. It argues that during the Cold War and immediate Post- Cold War era, the Alliance had a focused grand strategy. In the third phase which starts after September 11th, the Alliance’s grand strategy is in flux, while it is engaged in various missions that are a mixture of borderless collective defence, humanitarian intervention, and the safeguarding of trade routes and resources. The place of Turkey as a predominantly ‘functional’ ally in the first two phases and then as a ‘strategic partner’ in the last phase is examined and followed by the likely points of continuing cooperation with NATO and likely divergence of interests in the long term.