U.S.-Turkish Relations: A Perspective from the Private Sector

With strong commercial, trade and strategic ties, the United States and Turkey have benefitted from a longstanding and multifaceted partnership built on shared interests. However, recent questions surrounding the economic, financial and military sanctions against Iran are testing the strength of Turkish-American relations. Behind Turkey’s foreign policy assertiveness and growing self-confidence lies the performance of the Turkish economy. Now the sixteenth largest economy in the world and a proud member of the G-20, Turkey has weathered the global financial crisis relatively unscathed. However, will the recent downturn in Turkish-American relations affect the Turkish economy? What is the Turkish private sector’s view of Turkish-American relations?

On June 17, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings hosted a panel discussion to explore these issues and other factors shaping U.S.-Turkish relations. The event was organized in partnership with the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD). TUSIAD Chair Ümit Boyner provided comments. Soli Ozel of Bilgi University also offered analysis and recommendations on how Ankara and Washington can preserve active and cooperative bilateral relations.

Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Ömer Taşpınar provided introductory remarks and moderated the discussion. After the program, the panelists took audience questions.