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.
18:47
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Quick takeaways
- İmamoğlu's arrest indicates a possible shift towards authoritarianism in Turkey, reflecting concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.
- Erdogan's geopolitical maneuvers aim to reposition Turkey as a significant global power amid a weakening of traditional Western alliances.
Deep dives
The Political Landscape of Turkey
The arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, signals a crucial turning point in Turkey's democratic trajectory. İmamoğlu is seen not only as a popular figure but also as the de facto leader of the opposition against President Erdogan. His arrest on corruption and terrorism charges is viewed as a strategic move by Erdogan to eliminate competition ahead of the next elections, potentially shifting Turkey from a competitive electoral system toward a more authoritarian model. This situation reflects a growing concern among the public regarding the erosion of democratic norms and raises questions about whether Turkey is moving towards political environments similar to those in Russia or Iran.
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