Turkey's key geopolitical and geostrategic role is demonstrated in many ways in the current global political situation: in its importance as the southeastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance, as a central Eurasian region at the interface of major geopolitical areas, and against the backdrop of changing political-economic constellations in Eurasia, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as an energy hub between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

In cooperation with renowned European and North American experts on Turkey, the geopolitical role of Turkey will be determined in a research project scheduled to run for several years against the backdrop of military-strategic, constitutional, regional-political and domestic aspects, particularly in terms of its impact on the internal development of the North Atlantic Alliance and the future policy of the European Union. The related research questions are explored in depth in individual studies and presented for discussion in academic publications and research papers in the professional community.

On April 22, 2021, a digital discussion was held with Michael Thuman (DIE ZEIT), during which the expert study was presented under the leadership of Ulrich Schlie and Thrasyvoulos Terry Stamatopoulos.

Schlie, Ulrich. Karg, Franz. Hüseyin Çiçek. Umbach Frank: EICTP Expert Paper: Great Power Turkey. A Critical Stocktaking