Why Turkey took its time with Sweden joining NATO. Nowhere else can Turkey put pressure on Western states like it does in NATO.
As Sweden's accession process stalled, analysts warned of the alliance's demise. Turkey is now pursuing its own interests, which often run counter to the interests of the United States and European countries. Turkey's efforts to join NATO and other US-dominated post-war institutions took place under conditions of great uncertainty for the country. The country waited almost four years before it was finally allowed to joined NATO in 1952.