Unrealized Potential: Reflections on Turkey and the Future of Defense
Or, with friends like these, who needs enemies?
In 2016, I moved to Turkey, arriving just 24 hours after the devastating complex terror attack at Ataturk Airport that killed 42 and injured nearly 300. Two weeks later, the country was shaken by an attempted coup, allegedly staged by Gülenists—though I remain not entirely convinced it wasn’t a false flag operation by Erdogan to solidify his grip on power.
When I accepted my assignment in İzmir, I was genuinely excited. The photos of Turkey were breathtaking: crystal-clear turquoise waters, inviting beaches, rich history, and unique landscapes. Strategically positioned between East and West, Turkey seemed to have unlimited potential.
However, my initial enthusiasm quickly faded. The potential I saw in Turkey felt squandered. It became evident in the little things: the lack of cleanliness, pollution, shoddy construction that drags on for years, and the often subpar quality of work. These everyday realities clashed with the country’s immense promise.
Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed my time there. I made strong friendships that have lasted despite the distance. The food was enjoyable, and there were moments of beauty and joy. Yet, the overall experience never quite lived up to what I had imagined. This feeling of unrealized potential is one of my greatest frustrations, not just in Turkey, but in life. I loathe seeing it in others, and I am terrified of not meeting my own potential. With each passing year, I feel an increasing urgency to rise to my potential and make the impact I strive for. When we’re in our twenties, we can rely on the promise of potential to carry us forward. But as we reach middle age, we should have actualized some of that potential. If not, we risk running out of time and energy to do so.
Fast forward to yesterday, just two blocks from where I lived in İzmir, a group of Youth Union of Turkey members attacked and seized two US Marines. The Marines, on liberty from the USS Wasp, were in plain clothes when the group assaulted them, attempting to abduct one by throwing a sack over his head.
İzmir was often compared to Los Angeles, and the neighborhood of Alsancak, where I lived, was akin to Rodeo Drive. It was secular, liberal, cosmopolitan, Western-friendly, relatively posh, lined with bars and restaurants, and vibrant. I remember coming home one night to a drum circle in front of my apartment at 2 AM—just one of many lively moments in the area.
The Youth Union of Turkey, known for its secular yet nationalistic views, targeted these Marines as a misguided expression of their anger over the death of Palestinians. It’s somewhat reassuring that the Turkish Ministry of Interior is working with the U.S. Navy, and local police have arrested over 15 people involved in the attack.
However, this incident highlights a critical point: the U.S.-Turkey relationship has long been delicate. Turkey, with the second-largest military in NATO, is actively deployed in various regions, supporting both its own interests and broader U.S.-European goals. It has also developed a formidable defense-technology industry. Yet, the Turkish government often plays a two-level game, leaving us to question, “With friends like these, who needs enemies?”—a sentiment fueled by actions like their purchase of Russian air defense systems.
Of course, Turkey is not the only NATO member to occasionally take positions that seem at odds with the alliance’s interests. Aligning incentives across so many diverse member countries while maintaining the integrity of the larger alliance is a continual challenge.
So, how does all of this tie into Defense Technology?
I believe there are several key connections:
Information Dominance: This is a critical component of modern warfare and will only grow in importance. Controlling the flow of information can be as decisive as any physical force.
Allied Partnerships: As Winston Churchill said, “The only thing worse than fighting with allies is fighting without them.” We must continue to build and nurture global relationships that provide us with strategic placement, access for power projection, and critical technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Potential vs. Reality: We must strive to realize our potential. There are numerous fantastic technologies and companies eager to support our national defense. We must find ways to support them through venture investments, transition assistance, and streamlined acquisitions.
As for me, I’ve been reflecting on my own potential and the need to actualize it. I’ve spent too much time watching TV and not enough time working towards my goals in recent weeks. It’s time to kick it up a notch.
Keep building,
Andrew