TÜRKİYE, USSR, AND THE COLD WAR: ANKARA’S ‘SWINGING’ PRAGMATISM
TÜRKİYE, USSR, AND THE COLD WAR: ANKARA’S ‘SWINGING’ PRAGMATISM

Author(s): Gürol Baba
Subject(s): Cold-War History
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Turkey; USSR; Cold war;
Summary/Abstract: Framing the bilateral relations between Türkiye and the USSR during the Cold War through a single or even multiple International Relations theoretical lenses proves challenging, not only due to the length of the period but also because of the significant fluctuations these relations underwent. Consequently, this chapter adopts a chronological and thematic, issue-based approach, to analyze their evolution. After World War II, Türkiye’s shift from its traditional policy of neutrality toward alignment with the Western bloc marked a decisive turning point in Turkish-Soviet relations. Between 1945 and 1950, the USSR’s aggressive diplomatic steps, such as its territorial claims against Türkiye and its desire for joint control of the Straits, augmented Ankara’s strategic cooperation with the West. American-backed policies such as the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan accelerated Türkiye’s integration into NATO during this process. Türkiye’s accession to NATO in 1952 was subject to harsh criticism from the USSR, but this situation strengthened Türkiye’s position in the Western security system.

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