Turkey’s Perspective on Trump, NATO, Ukraine

By dint of geography, history, culture and human evolution, Turkey is one of the most influential nations in the world and certainly that's the case throughout Asia. The trade and cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, Turkey has recently taken a light authoritarian and nationalist turn under the presidency of Reyup Erdogan, who has been serving as president for the last decade.

As Donald Trump prepares to return to the American presidency, there has been speculation that Erdogan's natural stylistic affinity to Trump may he draw him closer to the United States as Turkey — like all countries between great powers — balances the US and its European allies against Russia and perhaps even plays them off against each other. On the other hand, Russia has gained the upper hand in Ukraine. And Trump seems to want to end the Russo-Ukrainian War. Then there's the country’s complicated relationship with Europe: it's been a member of NATO since 1995 but its application to join the EU has stalled since Erdogan became president.

Dr. Hasan Ünal, professor at Baskent University in Ankara, has published extensively on Turkish foreign policy-related matters. He joins Ted Rall and Manila Chan to explore Turkey’s dilemma: East or West? Which to Choose?