Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, must make sure that Turkey is not forced to choose between membership in NATO and Finland and Sweden. According to James Stavridis, the former supreme allied commander of NATO, Turkey is adopting a “counterproductive stance” by preventing the Nordic countries from joining the military alliance because of what Ankara perceives as their “support for terrorist groups among Turkey’s Kurdish minority, in particular, their refusal to extradite dozens of Kurds wanted by the government.” Stavridis wrote this in a piece for Bloomberg on January 22.
“The unconscionable invasion of Ukraine by Russia is the great challenge to the alliance,” claims Stavridis, adding that “some NATO members are going to begin asking, ‘If it is a choice between Sweden/Finland and Turkey, maybe we should look at our options at some point soon.” ’ That would be a mistake. Turkey is home to NATO’s overall land-warfare command in Izmir, has significant facilities like Incirlik Air Base, and has the second-largest army in the alliance.
“NATO needs Turkey to continue being an active and positive member. It also needs to add Finland and Sweden. No one wants to have to choose between them. ”.
The likelihood that Turkey would back down and approve the applications from Sweden and Finland to join the defense bloc decreased over the weekend when Rasmus Paludan, a far-right politician, spoke out against immigration and Islam for an hour outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm before setting fire to a Qur’anic copy.
The previous day, Turkey’s foreign ministry summoned Sweden’s ambassador over the permission granted to Paludan’s protest. It was the second time Sweden’s ambassador to Ankara has been summoned this month. Previously, when a Kurdish group managed to hang an effigy of Erdogan outside Stockholm city hall on January 12, the envoy was forced to provide an explanation.
Pal Jonson, the minister of defense for Sweden, was scheduled to visit Ankara on January 27 to discuss Turkey’s refusal to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership. However, Ankara canceled the visit on January 21 in advance of Paludan’s stunt. Turkey’s defence minister, Hulusi Akar, said the meeting was cancelled because it “has lost its significance and meaning”.
Erdogan’s top advisor Ibrahim Kalin tweeted, “The burning of the Holy Qur’an in Stockholm is a clear crime of hatred and humanity.” “We vehemently condemn this. Allowing this action despite all our warnings is encouraging hate crimes and Islamophobia. The attack on sacred values is not freedom but modern barbarism. ”.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that Islamophobic provocations were appalling. “It does not imply that the Swedish Government, or myself, endorse the opinions expressed,” Billstrom tweeted. “Sweden has a far-reaching freedom of expression.”
The May 14 national elections in Turkey are another reason why it is unlikely that Erdogan will back down over his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining NATO. Erdogan’s core vote will expect him to keep up a tough line in this foreign policy matter.
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance founded in 1949 by 12 countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European nations. The organization’s primary purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through collective defense However, in recent years, Turkey’s actions have raised questions about its commitment to NATO’s values and principles As a result, some have called for Turkey’s expulsion from the alliance.
Can Turkey Be Expelled from NATO?
While there is no formal process for expelling a member from NATO, the organization’s founding treaty does allow for the suspension or termination of a member’s rights under certain circumstances. Specifically, Article 60 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties states that a material breach of a treaty can justify the suspension or termination of the treaty in whole or in part.
A material breach is defined as a violation of a provision essential to the accomplishment of the object and purpose of the treaty. In the case of NATO, this would include violations of the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law, which are enshrined in the North Atlantic Treaty.
Turkey’s Actions and Potential Violations
Turkey’s recent actions, such as its military incursion into Syria and its crackdown on political dissent, have been criticized by many as violations of these principles. For example, the Syrian incursion has been condemned by NATO allies as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. Additionally, Turkey’s crackdown on political dissent has been criticized by human rights groups as a violation of freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Arguments for and Against Expulsion
Those who argue for Turkey’s expulsion from NATO point to its violations of the organization’s principles and its increasingly authoritarian tendencies They argue that Turkey’s continued membership in NATO undermines the credibility of the alliance and its commitment to democratic values,
However others argue that expelling Turkey from NATO would be a mistake. They argue that Turkey is a strategically important member of the alliance particularly in light of its location on the border of the Middle East. Additionally, they argue that expelling Turkey would likely push the country further away from the West and into the arms of Russia.
The decision of whether or not to expel Turkey from NATO is a difficult one. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision will likely be made based on a number of factors, including the severity of Turkey’s violations of NATO’s principles, the potential consequences of expulsion, and the overall strategic interests of the alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the specific actions that Turkey has taken that have led to calls for its expulsion from NATO?
A: Turkey’s military incursion into Syria and its crackdown on political dissent have been the primary reasons for calls for its expulsion.
Q: What are the arguments for and against expelling Turkey from NATO?
A: Those who argue for expulsion point to Turkey’s violations of NATO’s principles and its authoritarian tendencies. Those who argue against expulsion point to Turkey’s strategic importance and the potential consequences of pushing it further away from the West.
Q: What is the likelihood that Turkey will be expelled from NATO?
A: The decision of whether or not to expel Turkey is a difficult one. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision will likely be made based on a number of factors, including the severity of Turkey’s violations of NATO’s principles, the potential consequences of expulsion, and the overall strategic interests of the alliance.
Additional Resources
- AEI: Turkey Humiliated NATO. If NATO Can’t Expel It, Here’s Plan B
- Just Security: Can Turkey be Expelled from NATO? It’s Legally Possible, Whether or Not Politically Prudent
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with an attorney if you have any questions about NATO or Turkey’s membership in the alliance.
The Serbian president has repeatedly warned that the world could be heading for the worst conflict since WW
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