In order to reduce the sense of insecurity and to counterbalance potential rivals, Turkey has joined the existing alliances at the time or it allied with regional states and outside powers. For this reason, Turkey, between 1920 and 1955, signed a number of friendship declarations with the neighbors and bilateral agreements with the USA. In an attempt to feel more secure, Turkey joined the Balkan Pact (1953), the Balkan Alliance (1954), and the Baghdad Pact (1955). Nevertheless, Turkey’s adherence to NATO in 1952 was the biggest step in terms of securing its borders.