Reclaiming Glory: Türkiye’s Rise Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Türkiye has been on a mission to reclaim its previous glory under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan’s unwavering support for international Muslims, as well as his criticism of US policies, have thrust him into the center of international discourse.
Despite the polarized public opinion, Türkiye has improved its military capabilities and emerged as a significant player in the weapons market, contributing to its growing global dominance.
Much to the chagrin of the United States, it has formed strategic relationships with countries such as Russia and China, diversifying its alliances and impacting regional dynamics.
The Myth of Secularism
While President Erdogan’s decision to change Hagia Sophia to a mosque has been criticised for being religiously motivated, one must also take note of the West’s use of religion in various political endeavours. Mir Adnan Aziz reveals that even in the most ‘secular’ Western democracies, several major decisions (such as the Iraq war) were based on the religious beliefs of those in power.
Turkey’s Opposition to the Nordic NATO Membership
Russia’s not the only one bothered by the NATO expansion — in fact, Turkey is only willing to admit Finland and Sweden into NATO if they meet a few crucial conditions. Turkey will only vote for their acceptance if they follow through on the agreements that were made on counterterrorism and arms exports at the NATO summit in Madrid.
Implementing the Chinese Economic Model in Turkey
President Erdogan is seeking to incorporate the Chinese economic model in Turkey. As such, Turkey will abandon high-interest rates and turn to production and exports. Opposing parties have cited this proposal to be unquestionably authoritarian. The author, Necati Demircan, explores Turkey’s abandonment of the neoliberal economic model and the new slogan of production in the country’s orientation towards Asia.
Turkey: Atatürk’s Secularism vs Erdoğan’s Islamization
Turkey’s foundation as a secular state, as set by its founding father Kemal Ataturk, now clashes with the incumbent President Erdogan’s vision of Islamization. The author uses several examples to showcase how Turkey is now being redirected to its imperial glory – to when Islam was the linchpin of the Ottoman Empire.
Eurasianism vs. Neo-Ottomanism in the Turkish Foreign Policy
Turkey, formerly the Ottoman Empire, is said to have a foreign policy dictated by neo-Ottomanism, mainly by those who support the West. The author argues that neo-Ottomanism is incompatible with Turkey’s current foreign policies, and instead cites Eurasianism as the idea behind Turkey’s foreign policies.
The Rise of Populism in the World
The rise of populism is to be expected in recent times of disintegration and economic disparity. Populists sit behind a veil of democracy, running the state on anti-liberal values.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey: A Deteriorating Relationship
Both nation states are in the way of each other’s objectives, prompting both Saudi Arabia and Turkey to maneuver astutely and find their trump cards.