Between Status Quo Actors and Challengers: Mapping Türkiye’s Shifting Engagement in The North Africa

The primary objective of this study is to examine the scope and dimensions of Türkiye’s growing interest in the North African region in recent years. In this context, the study advances the assumption that Türkiye possesses the potential to become integrated into, and possibly alter, the region’s existing security and economic architecture. The analysis begins with an assessment of the presence and strategic interests of traditional Western powers—namely the European states and the United States—that have historically played a significant role in shaping the region’s security landscape. This is followed by an evaluation of the current involvement and ambitions of emerging actors such as Russia and China, who have recently sought to expand their influence in North Africa. Subsequently, the study analyzes Türkiye’s current presence in the region, arguing that Ankara is striving to advance its interests by competing with both status quo and revisionist external actors operating in the area.