Turkey will host the NATO Summit in July at a pivotal moment for the alliance. NATO faces one of the most consequential challenges in its history, as President Donald Trump’s criticism of the alliance and questions about the future of US commitments fuel uncertainty across Europe amid growing concerns about Russia.
Against this backdrop, Ankara has sought to position itself as a bridge between Washington and its European allies, working to preserve alliance cohesion at a time of mounting strain. Western leaders have increasingly welcomed Turkey’s efforts, a striking contrast to the recent past, when many viewed Ankara as NATO’s weak link and criticized its close ties with Moscow for undermining Western efforts to isolate Russia.
Where do Turkey’s relations with its NATO allies and Russia stand today? What role can Ankara realistically play in strengthening alliance unity and shaping NATO’s response to Russia? And what does this moment reveal about the future of US-Turkey relations?
Join us for a timely conversation on these critical questions.
Panelists
Ambassador John R. Bass is a veteran diplomat and crisis manager with 37 years of diplomatic experience and service to the nation. Bass most recently served in three of the top five roles in the State Department, including as acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs (2024-25) and Under Secretary for Management (2022-25). A three-time Ambassador, Bass led U.S. missions in Afghanistan (2017-2020), Türkiye (2014-2017), and Georgia (2009-2012). He also served in U.S. missions in Iraq, Italy, Belgium, and Chad.In Washington, Ambassador Bass served on Vice President Cheney’s staff, as Chief of Staff and advisor to Deputy Secretary Strobe Talbott, as Director of the Operations Center and in several assignments focused on European security issues.
General Philip M. Breedlove is a retired General of the United States Air Force. Highly decorated, he reached the pinnacle of the United States Military as one of six geographic Combatant Commanders and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. During 39 years of service, he held a variety of demanding command and staff positions: Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Commander of US European Command; Commander, US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa; Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force; and Assistant Chief of Staff for Air Operations, Plans and Requirements.
Dr. Gönül Tol (Moderator) is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute (MEI), where she focuses on Turkish politics, US-Turkey relations and regional dynamics in the Middle East.
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