Senior Course 144 in Türkiye: a Deep Dive into Defence and Foreign Policies
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In a significant step to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s strategic priorities and its pivotal role within NATO, the NATO Defense College (NDC) and its Commandant, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, embarked on an insightful Field Study to Türkiye. This visit was meticulously designed to enhance the Course Members’ awareness of Türkiye’s national security strategy, NATO priorities and its influential stance on regional and global security dynamics.
The briefings, provided by prominent Turkish officials in Ankara, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defence, Turkish General Staff and Secretariat of Defence Industries, offered a platform for Course Members (CMs) to appreciate how Türkiye navigates its complex geopolitical environment while aligning with NATO’s strategic objectives. These sessions also outlined Türkiye’s perspective on NATO’s development amidst a changing security landscape, and underscored its proactive support for Ukraine and broader NATO engagements.
The briefers highlighted how Türkiye stands at the forefront of prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts. As the only nation co-chairing the Friends of Mediation groups at the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) simultaneously, Türkiye plays a crucial role in mediation and conflict resolution. This leadership is reflective of Türkiye’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in a volatile global environment.
The visit continued with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, where the NDC’s Commandant signed the Guest Book and delivered a heartfelt message reflecting the historical and strategic significance of Atatürk’s legacy.
There was also an opportunity for CMs to learn about the Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), where its Director elaborated on COE-DAT’s missions and how the Centre contributes to Türkiye’s and NATO's counter-terrorism efforts.
A highlight of the visit was the bilateral meeting between Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, NDC Commandant, and General Irfan Özsert, PhD, Deputy Chief of the Turkish General Staff. This meeting emphasized the significance of curriculum development and academic freedom, particularly focusing on Allies’ sensitivities. Key topics discussed included the role of education in promoting interoperability, the importance of consensus-building, and the need to uphold the high-level profile of those attending the Senior Course in order to maintain an effective learning environment.
The following day marked a significant milestone as the NDC visited Türkiye’s National Defence University (NDU) in Istanbul. This important occasion provided an opportunity for bilateral discussions between Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen and the Vice-Rectors, Professor Serdar Salman, PhD, and Major General Ertan İnaltekin. Together, they explored avenues for future collaboration between the two prominent institutions, discussing potential areas of cooperation and synergy in strategic education.
Briefings on the National Defence University (NDU), the Multinational Joint Warfare Centre (MJWC) and the Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC-COE) offered a comprehensive insight into Türkiye's military education organization, as well as its roles and missions. Additionally, these briefings provided a broader perspective on Türkiye's involvement in multinational joint operations and maritime security, which are crucial areas aligning with NATO's strategic interests.
From a Course Member’s perspective, the visit to Türkiye was an eye-opener. It illuminated Türkiye’s strategic depth, its proactive stance in conflict resolution, and its complex yet pivotal relationship with NATO. The academic sessions enriched the CMs' understanding of the nuanced interplay between national strategies and international alliances.
In conclusion, the FS3 trip to Türkiye not only achieved its objective of enhancing understanding among the CMs but also paved the way for deeper institutional ties between the NDC and Turkish defence establishments. This collaborative spirit is essential in navigating the intricate web of global security challenges and fostering a robust NATO Alliance.