Turkey is hosting a crucial NATO summit as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to strengthen Ankara’s standing within the alliance.

Once frequently at odds with NATO partners, Erdogan is now receiving public praise from key leaders as Turkey’s strategic importance grows amid the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East.

Analysts point to Turkey’s location, its large military and expanding defense industry as reasons why NATO increasingly relies on Ankara.

However, concerns about democratic backsliding in Turkey, pressure on opposition parties and restrictions on journalists are drawing scrutiny.

The summit highlights a growing dilemma for NATO: balancing security priorities with its commitment to democratic values.