Don’t Launder Erdogan’s Record at the NATO Summit

The NATO summit in Ankara next week spotlights Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who seeks to position himself as an indispensable ally against Russian aggression, despite his controversial domestic policies and human rights record. Critics warn against overlooking these issues, arguing that ignoring them undermines the integrity of NATO’s values. This debate is crucial as it reflects the broader tension between national interests and democratic values within international alliances, potentially shaping future NATO-Turkey relations and the organization’s stance on human rights.