As U.S. President Donald Trump reshapes foreign policy in the Middle East, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reasserted his influence, emerging as one of the most powerful figures on the global stage and a key partner in Trump’s diplomatic agenda, according to a Newsweek analysis.
In recent weeks, Erdogan helped end a decades-long insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), facilitated a meeting between Trump and Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, and hosted nuclear talks between Iran and European powers, as well as negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.
“Erdogan is a friend, and Trump wants him to be a key actor regionally and globally,” said Cagri Erhan, a top adviser to the Turkish president.
From Islamist Roots to Global Statesman
Erdogan has led Türkiye—formerly known as Turkey—for over two decades, rising from the Islamist opposition to the premiership in 2003 and the presidency in 2014. He has since reshaped the political system, expanding presidential powers and dissolving the role of prime minister.
His administration has played an active role in conflicts across the region, supporting the Tripoli government in Libya, backing Azerbaijan in its operations in Nagorno-Karabakh, and aiding Syrian rebel factions that helped topple President Bashar al-Assad late last year.
“Erdogan is experienced, reliable, and forward-looking,” said Erhan. “He’s been a consistent actor in global politics for more than 20 years.”
Trump and Erdogan: A Strategic Alignment
Trump has repeatedly praised Erdogan, calling him “smart” and “tough,” and credited him with securing Assad’s fall and brokering grain deals between Russia and Ukraine. The Turkish leader is also seen as central to Trump’s efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas and to advance peace initiatives in Yemen.
“I like him, and he likes me,” Trump said during a joint press event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relations with Erdogan have soured over the war in Gaza.
Yet the partnership has faced turbulence in the past. During Trump’s first term, tensions flared over the detention of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson and Türkiye’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile system, which led to U.S. sanctions and Ankara’s expulsion from the F-35 program.
Erdogan has since said ties have improved. “With my friend Trump, we now have a more sincere dialogue,” he said on Saturday.
U.S. Shifts Strategy Toward Türkiye
Analysts say Trump’s foreign policy tilt toward Ankara reflects both strategic necessity and personal rapport. Former Turkish diplomat Sinan Ulgen said Türkiye’s role in regional stabilization makes it a more valuable partner than Israel in some areas, particularly Syria.
“The change in administration has opened the door to closer U.S.-Türkiye cooperation,” said Ulgen. “Trump values Türkiye’s ability to engage in state-building and conflict resolution.”
James Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Ankara and Trump envoy for Syria, said Türkiye’s rise is linked to broader global shifts: waning Western dominance, the rise of revisionist powers, and Ankara’s own economic and military gains.
“Türkiye has grown in geopolitical importance, and Erdogan has ensured a seat at the table,” said Jeffrey, now at the Wilson Center.
A New Role in a Multipolar World
Erdogan’s ambitions extend beyond the Middle East. Türkiye has sought closer ties with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, while maintaining its NATO role. In 2022, Erdogan launched his “Century of Türkiye” campaign, signaling a new era of assertiveness on the global stage.
Rich Outzen, a former U.S. State Department adviser, called Türkiye’s rise “one of the top strategic developments of the 21st century,” crediting economic liberalization, defense modernization, and consistent leadership.
“Ankara has played its hand well,” said Outzen. “Trump sees Erdogan as a capable partner—someone who acts decisively and keeps his word.”
With a shared interest in regional stability and transactional diplomacy, Erdogan and Trump appear poised to deepen their cooperation. But challenges remain—from congressional skepticism over Türkiye’s democratic backsliding to geopolitical balancing acts between NATO and Russia.
Still, Outzen said, “The U.S. needs partners with military, economic, and diplomatic heft. Türkiye fits that role.”