Bangladesh, April 26 -- Renewed frictions between Europe and Turkey are once again laying bare the underlying fragility of the so-called “Western bloc”. Recent remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, equating Turkey with Russia and China, triggered diplomatic unease and sharp reactions in Ankara. European actors increasingly perceive Turkey not as a partner, but rather as a problematic, quasi-adversarial force on the continents periphery.

At the same time, disputes over Cyprus and maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean persist, further aggravating relations. European policymakers have hardened their tone toward Ankara, while Turkeys leadership has responded in kind. As one analysis bluntly put...