European Sky Shield Initiative | Capacities, Criticisms, and Türkiye’s Contribution
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), spearheaded by Germany, emerged in response to escalating missile threats, particularly from Russia, following Moscow’s aggressive actions in Ukraine
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Can lasting peace be achieved in Ukraine?
Donald Trump’s remarks on his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin completely upend the official US narrative on the Ukraine war. Since Russia’s invasion, Washington has led Europe and NATO in isolating Moscow. But with Trump’s return, the US is not only abandoning that strategy—it appears willing to concede to Putin’s demands before negotiations even begin.
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The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), spearheaded by Germany, represents a transformative effort in the realm of European defense, aiming to create an integrated and effective missile defense system. Launched in October 2022 in response to escalating security threats, particularly from Russia, the ESSI seeks to bolster NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System (NATINAMDS). While its strategic imperatives and geopolitical ramifications are widely acknowledged, the initiative is also marred by technical, political and financial challenges. Türkiye’s recent participation enhances the initiative by adding strategic depth, creating new opportunities and fostering greater collaboration.
Relations between Türkiye and Greece have been overshadowed by unsolved bilateral problems, especially the Aegean Sea tension and the Cyprus issue, since the 1950s. In addition, disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean have been added more recently, making it even more difficult to keep relations between the two countries free of tensions and crises.
Donald Trump has made a fast start to his second term as the president of the U.S., the strongest state in the world. Naturally, not only Americans but also the world's states and nations immediately reacted to this government change. One day after the inauguration of Trump, the leaders of the two rival countries, namely Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, held a virtual meeting.
This edition sheds light on Türkiye’s approach to mitigating economic constraints, strengthening defense exports, and leveraging diplomatic influence to shape the regional and global security order in 2025.
Importance of US-Türkiye partnership in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war
In 2023, the number of conflicts worldwide increased to 59, the highest recorded since data collection began in 1946. US President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November presidential election raised the possibility of ending at least some of these conflicts. Ending wars was a central commitment of Trump’s election campaign. Americans cast their votes for Trump because they do not want to spend their taxes in these endless wars anymore. While cutting financial aid to war-torn countries could help, the new US administration may need a more comprehensive approach. As Trump pursues his policy to end wars, he may need partners and facilitators to share the burden.
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What is the U.S. After in Syria?
Debating what the United States wants in Syria might seem futile, as the question lacks a clear answer. This is primarily because, for some time now, the U.S.’s de facto policy in Syria—shaped by what it doesn’t want—has failed to evolve into a comprehensive strategy.
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The Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missile systems against targets inside Russia has marked a significant escalation in the war.
In the first week after Trump’s election victory, he named several people he intends to appoint to his cabinet, signaling that border security and immigration will be his top priorities.
