Defansif Realist Çerçeve ile Türkiye’nin NATO’ya Girişi
Türkiye’s Entry to NATO with Defensive Realist Framework

Summary/Abstract: The article aims to show how defensive realist policy led to Turkey's entry into NATO. Therefore; it uses defensive realism to analyze Turkish foreign policy during that time. According to neo-realist theory, the anarchic nature of the international system forces governments to seek alliances and strength to ensure survival. Defensive realists argue that a state should prioritize balancing threats by establishing partnerships or developing adequate defense capabilities over growing power. Foreign policy implemented by Turkish authorities after the Second World War can be analyzed with a defensive realist perspective. Because of the USSR's superior military and industrial capabilities, geographical proximity, offensive ability, and aggressive intentions, Turkey saw it as an existential threat. Soviet territorial claims and ambitions to control the Turkish Straits influenced Turkish foreign policy, especially after 1945. Under the Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine, Turkey tried to resist this threat with the US's help. Turkey proved its military capability and worth as an ally by joining the Korean War in 1950. In 1952, Turkey subsequently joined NATO. NATO membership is seen as a balancing tactic from a defensive realism perspective. To offset the existential threat posed by the USSR, Türkiye joined the Western alliance. Türkiye's entry into this alliance was largely made possible by the United States foreign aid and ideological affinities with the Western bloc. The article concludes that, considering the situation at the time, Turkey's implementation of defensive realist policies especially the balancing strategy ensured the survival from the Soviet threat.

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