Türkiye used the NATO summit to demonstrate that influence is no longer measured only by military strength, but by access, diplomacy and the ability to bring competing powers together. As geopolitical alliances shift, Ankara appears to be strengthening its position as one of the alliance's most strategically valuable members.
INR Report: Based on reporting by Mishel Bychkova for RT HERE.
The 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara was expected to focus on defence spending, Ukraine and military preparedness. Instead, much of the international attention centred on host nation Türkiye and its growing influence inside—and beyond—the Western alliance.
While NATO leaders reaffirmed collective defence commitments and pledged around €70 billion (US$80 billion) in military assistance and training for Ukraine during 2026, analysts suggested the summit ultimately highlighted Türkiye's increasingly pivotal diplomatic role.
Rather than being viewed as NATO's most difficult member, Ankara emerged from the gathering as a country capable of maintaining relationships with Washington, Moscow, Damascus and European capitals simultaneously.
Trump's attendance
One of the summit's defining moments came before formal discussions had even begun.
US President Donald Trump revealed that he had considered not attending the NATO gathering at all, saying he ultimately travelled because it was being hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Trump described Erdogan as a personal friend and "a very strong leader," suggesting his confidence in the Turkish president played a significant role in his decision to attend.
For many observers, the comments underscored Türkiye's growing diplomatic value within the alliance.
The summit opened with considerable tension between Washington and several European governments over defence spending and broader strategic priorities.
Trump had recently criticised several NATO members over military contributions, making his personal endorsement of Erdogan particularly significant.
Türkiye reinforced the symbolism through a high-profile state welcome featuring military honours, ceremonial escorts and formal receptions for visiting leaders.
According to the RT analysis, Ankara successfully positioned itself as a venue where political relationships could be repaired rather than strained.
More than a NATO member
Beyond hosting the summit, Türkiye demonstrated its broader geopolitical reach.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Trump held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government has emerged following the collapse of Bashar Assad's administration.
Trump indicated the United States could remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing the country as increasingly stable under its new leadership.
The meeting reflected Türkiye's long-standing involvement in developments inside neighbouring Syria and highlighted Ankara's unique ability to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Damascus.
For Turkish policymakers, Syria remains central to national security because of refugee flows, Kurdish militias and border stability.
Hosting discussions involving both NATO leaders and Syria's new government reinforced Türkiye's claim that it occupies a strategic position bridging Europe and the Middle East.
Defence ties improve
Another major outcome involved defence cooperation between Washington and Ankara.
Trump announced that the United States would begin removing sanctions imposed on Türkiye following its controversial purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system in 2020.
Those sanctions had also resulted in Türkiye's removal from the American F-35 fighter programme.
While no final agreement was announced regarding future F-35 deliveries, Trump spoke positively about restoring defence cooperation, describing Türkiye as an important and loyal partner.
Turkish officials also expressed optimism that negotiations could continue despite expected resistance within the US Congress and concerns from Israel regarding regional military balances.
For Ankara, even reopening discussions represented a significant diplomatic breakthrough after years of strained defence relations.
A different model of influence
Analysts argue that Türkiye's growing importance did not emerge overnight.
Over the past decade, Ankara has invested heavily in its domestic defence industry, expanded its military exports and pursued an independent foreign policy that differs from many of its NATO partners.
Rather than choosing between East and West, Türkiye has maintained working relationships with both.
It remains one of NATO's largest military powers while continuing diplomatic engagement with Russia. At the same time, it has expanded ties across the Middle East, the Gulf states and the Caucasus.
According to the RT analysis, that independence—once criticised by some Western governments—is now increasingly viewed as one of Türkiye's greatest strategic assets.
A changing alliance
The Ankara summit suggested NATO itself may be evolving.
Instead of expecting every member to follow identical foreign policy positions, larger powers increasingly appear willing to work with countries that possess unique regional influence.
Türkiye's ability to communicate with Washington, Moscow and Damascus simultaneously gives it diplomatic options unavailable to many other alliance members.
That flexibility may become increasingly valuable as geopolitical competition intensifies across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Rather than acting solely as a military ally, Ankara is positioning itself as a diplomatic broker capable of opening channels that others cannot.
For NATO, that role could become just as important as military capability.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
Indirectly, yes.
New Zealand attended the summit as one of NATO's Indo-Pacific partners, reflecting Wellington's growing engagement with European security discussions despite not being a NATO member.
Türkiye's rise also highlights a broader trend in international affairs: countries that pursue more independent foreign policies may gain greater influence as global power becomes increasingly multipolar.
For New Zealand, traditionally reliant on close relationships with partners such as Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, the emergence of influential middle powers raises important strategic questions.
As global trade routes, defence partnerships and diplomatic alignments continue evolving, Wellington may face increasing pressure to balance long-standing alliances with expanding relationships across Asia, the Middle East and emerging economies.
Türkiye's experience also illustrates how geography, defence capability and diplomatic flexibility can combine to elevate a nation's international standing beyond its economic size.
Whether New Zealand chooses to maintain its traditional foreign policy settings or adapt to an increasingly multipolar world will likely shape its influence over the coming decades.
Source
Original Article: https://www.rt.com/news/642886-turkiye-power-broker-nato/
Author: Mishel Bychkova, Vice-President, Center for Middle Eastern Studies (Moscow)
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.