Turkey-US relations in The Cold War era

Towards the end of the Second World War, Turkey, who was confronted with land and military base demands of the Soviet Union, started to develop her relations with Western countries. The United States of America, who was developing new strategies against the Soviet Union after the war, decided to help Turkey because of her strategies and interests. First applications of these decisions were the Truman Doctrine (1947) and Marshall Plan (1948). Turkey took side with Western countries and decided to send troops to Korean War that began in 1950 and became a NATO member in 1952 with the support of the United States. After this date, NATO has become a very important milestone with regards to the Turkey-US relationship. After joining NATO, Turkey had closer relations with the US especially on security dimension. At the beginning, enforcement of conditions and framework of two countries' needs led to smooth bilateral relations. Later, serious problems arose because of the Cold War policies of the United States. Cold War strategic alliance era between the two countries began to be shaken by Cyprus issue. Due to attacks against the Turkish Cypriots, Turkey wanted to intervene to the island in 1964, but US opposed that intervention. US President Johnson's letter, which was sent on 5 June 1964, inflicted a heavy blow on the Turkey-US relations. Even if shaken relations were tried to be reconciliated with Defense and Cooperation Agreement in 1969, 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and after that arms embargo imposed on Turkey brought relations to the breaking point. The resumption of relations between the two countries became possible with the disembargo in 1978 and signing of the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement in 1979. US's military presence in Turkey was also reconsidered by these agreements. Although there were some problems between two countries in the 1980s, a rapprochement period began. This study aims to examine Turkey-US relations during the Cold War Era and draw attention to significant disputes that emerged between two countries. Additionally, this study tries to reveal basic features of Turkey-US alliance during this period. In this regard, to what extent Turkey was under the influence of the United States is examined. Keywords: Turkey, USA, Turkey-US Relations, Cold War, The Cyprus Issue, Foreign Policy