President Erdoğan intends to utilize the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara to elevate Turkey’s international influence. Analysts believe this comes at a time of increased international attention on his government's actions regarding political opposition, particularly as the nation approaches presidential elections. Hosting the July 7-8 summit provides Turkey with a platform to highlight its strategic importance within the region and the alliance. Despite concerns about domestic crackdowns, Erdoğan aims to project an image of strength and leadership on the global stage. The summit is seen as an opportunity for Ankara to reaffirm its commitments to NATO while simultaneously furthering its own national interests. This effort to bolster Turkey’s profile unfolds amidst ongoing scrutiny of its human rights record and democratic processes.