Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Erdogan’s crackdown: Turkey and the fight for democracy
Mar 24, 2025
Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, an associate senior policy fellow for ECFR and visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, joins the discussion on Turkey's political turmoil following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, sparking nationwide protests. They delve into how President Erdogan's actions might herald a shift towards authoritarianism, exploring the polarized political landscape and the role of the Kurdish minority. Aydıntaşbaş also highlights Turkey’s strategic maneuvers within a changing global geopolitical context and the waning influence of Europe on Turkish politics.
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Turkey's Democratic Shift
- Turkey's political landscape is shifting from competitive to potentially authoritarian.
- İmamoğlu’s arrest may signal a transition towards a model resembling Russia or Iran.
Polarized Turkish Society
- Turkish society is highly polarized, with some protesting İmamoğlu’s arrest while others support Erdogan.
- This polarization complicates the political situation and its future trajectory.
Erdogan's Opposition
- Erdogan faces opposition from half the population, including Kurds and some conservatives.
- İmamoğlu’s ability to appeal to conservatives made him a significant threat to Erdogan.