Could Turkey invoke Article 5 of the NATO North Atlantic treaty in a civil war situation?

2016-07-15T17:32:49-04:00

If the situation in Turkey was to escalate to civil conflict, could the Turkish government invoke the aid of NATO forces in regaining control of the country?

If not, to what extent do you foresee NATO/US involvement in a situation like this, assuming it escalates?

I apologize for my naivety in the realm of international politics. I appreciate any input.

Response by CW5 Andrew J. Foreman made Jul 15 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-07-15T17:34:05-04:00

I think Art 5 has to do with external attacks.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 15 at 2016 5:36 PM

2016-07-15T17:36:31-04:00

No apology necessary. The fact that you are asking the question tends to indicate that you have far more awareness of what's going on in the world than anyone in the District of Calamity

Response by SPC Michael Griggs made Jul 15 at 2016 5:38 PM

2016-07-15T17:38:55-04:00

Even if the Turkish President asked for help, I doubt NATO would, as it would be in NATO's interest to let this play out.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 5:55 PM

2016-07-15T17:55:18-04:00

I do believe that Article 5 does deal with external threat. That being said to help with your question sir, when I was at NATO before, there was a couple of incidents where we were questioning as to whether or not Turkey would invoke Article 5. As for the future: Could...yes. Will...probably not. Hope this helps.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-07-22T00:35:43-04:00

No. Article 5 does not even protect member states' overseas possessions from external attack, much less any kind of internal threat. An example of the first was when India attacked and seized Goa (a Portuguese enclave in India) in December 1961. An example of the second was the Algerian War (1954-1962). Algeria was technically part of France (not just a colony), and the French faced a significant internal threat there. Neither case triggered Article 5.