Will the balance in Türkiye-US relations change? New equation for F-35 and CAATSA
Experts emphasized that Democrats gaining power may cause slowdowns in F-35, CAATSA and other critical topics, but common interests will be decisive.
Quick Look
- After the US midterm elections, their impact on Türkiye-US relations is being discussed.
- Experts stated that Democrats gaining power in the Senate may create new difficulties and slowdowns on issues such as the return to the F-35 program and CAATSA sanctions, but the main determining factor will be the common interests of the two countries rather than the parties.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
It has been a matter of curiosity how the new political landscape that emerged after the US midterm elections will be reflected in the foreign policy priorities of the Washington administration and Türkiye-US relations. Particularly, it is being discussed what effect the Democrats' gaining power in the Senate will have on Turkey's return to the F-35 program, CAATSA sanctions and other critical issues between the two countries.
Experts emphasized that the strengthening of the Democrats in the midterm elections in the USA may create new difficulties and slowdowns in the common agenda topics between Turkey and the USA, but the main determining factor will be the common interests of the two countries rather than the parties.
It has become a matter of curiosity how the new political landscape that emerged after the midterm elections in the USA will be reflected in the foreign policy priorities of the Washington administration and Türkiye-US relations. While discussing what impact the Democrats' gaining power in the Senate would have on Turkey's return to the F-35 program, CAATSA sanctions and other critical issues between the two countries, how the election results would shape the diplomatic course of bilateral relations also came to the fore.
Experts evaluated the election results to Milliyet:
'IT DOES NOT CREATE A HALF'
BEYKOZ UNIVERSITY RECTOR PROF. DR. BURAK KÜNTAY: Relations with Trump and the Republicans were good, there is a concern about what will happen now. But has the CAATSA issue been resolved during the Trump era? No. Has the F-35 issue been resolved? Unfortunately, it was not resolved either. During the period when Republicans were in the majority in Congress, Trump constantly said that this issue should be resolved, but was there any action from Congress? He didn't come. So how could relations with Democrats get any worse? One of the periods when Turkey had the best relations with the USA was the Bill Clinton era. What is important is to what extent the common interests in Turkish-American relations and the positions of the two countries in the world conjuncture overlap. I currently see Turkish-American relations at a parallel point. The interests of the two countries do not contrast too much with each other. The change in Congress will not create any gap in Turkish-American relations between five days before and five days after the election.
'SOME NEW DIFFICULTIES MAY APPEAR'
EMERITUS PROF. DR. İLTER TURAN: Türkiye largely attributed its relations with America to Erdoğan's friendship with Trump. The fact that the equation has changed will have different consequences. Congress will begin to play a greater role in foreign policy making than before. Turkey's support in the American Congress is weak. It is likely to face new challenges in some areas.
'THEIR PREFERENCES ARE NOT CLEAR'
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The role of Congress in foreign policy making will increase and Turkey's support in the American Congress will remain weak.
Likely · Within weeks
There will not be a big gap between the situation before and after the election in Turkish-American relations.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What steps will be taken to return to the F-35 program?
- Will CAATSA sanctions be lifted?
- How will Congress's increasing role in foreign policy-making affect Türkiye-US relations?
