Western Diplomacy's Silent Shift on Turkey's Authoritarian Slide

The West has shifted focus from criticizing Turkey's human rights record to enhancing security ties amid geopolitical challenges. This change will be evident at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, despite ongoing concerns over democratic practices and recent detentions of opposition figures and journalists in Turkey.

Five years ago, the West narrowly avoided a diplomatic crisis with Turkey over the detention of Osman Kavala, a case leading to Erdogan's expulsion threats against 10 Western ambassadors. Although tensions simmered, pragmatic diplomacy ensued, keeping relations intact.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Western nations pivoted from publicly addressing Turkey's human rights concerns, focusing instead on security collaborations. Turkey's significant military capability and pivotal geographic position within NATO underlined this strategic shift.

As NATO leaders convene in Ankara, muted criticism of Turkey's political climes, including the CHP's crackdown, draws scrutiny. Critics argue this silence undermines democratic ideals. Yet, NATO perceives Turkey as vital against Russian aggression, prioritizing alliances over open confrontation.