Battlegrounds With H.R. McMaster: International Perspectives

Battlegrounds w/ H.R. McMaster: Türkiye: Eurasia’s Bridge Between Troubled Shores

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Apr 11, 2025

Bilal Bilici, a dynamic member of Türkiye's Grand National Assembly and former foreign policy advisor, joins H.R. McMaster for a compelling discussion. They explore Türkiye's critical geopolitical role, especially concerning its relationships with NATO and neighboring Russia. Bilici reflects on the turbulent political climate, including the arrest of Istanbul's mayor and the challenges to democracy. The duo also dives into the complexities of the Syrian conflict, Turkish-Greek relations, and the potential of Türkiye's youth to drive economic reform.

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ANECDOTE

İmamoğlu's Arrest

Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu won four consecutive elections against AKP, implementing social programs like free kindergartens and subsidized restaurants.
Despite his popularity, İmamoğlu's diploma was revoked, and he was arrested on alleged corruption charges, raising concerns about democratic backsliding.

INSIGHT

AKP's Rise to Power

AKP's rise to power in the early 2000s stemmed from Turkey's economic and political struggles, offering a seemingly promising alternative to unstable coalition governments.
AKP capitalized on this opportunity, providing services and effective campaigning, leading to electoral victories until 2024.

INSIGHT

US-Turkey Relations

Strained US-Turkey relations are attributed to political differences, particularly concerning Syria and Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Despite tensions, shared NATO membership and G20 participation offer potential for collaboration based on mutual values.

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Join Mr. Bilal Bilici, a member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster as they discuss Türkiye's evolving role on the global stage, its central role in the volatile Black Sea and Middle East regions, and its future in NATO. In light of the recent arrest of Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025, Mr. Bilici reflects on the state of Turkish politics today, the country's prospects for democracy, US-Türkiye relations and the most pressing issues both countries should align on, his take on Syria following the collapse of Assad, and the future of the tumultuous Turkish-Israeli relationship.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Bilal Bilici is a member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye representing the province of Adana and a former member of the Foreign Policy Committee. Mr. Bilici began his political career in the Good Party, serving as an advisor to the Party Chair. He was the Good Party’s representative to the United States before transitioning to the main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), in 2024. In addition to his political career, Bilici has been influential in Turkish business. He has held leadership roles in the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye, including as Vice President of the Türkiye-Central American and Caribbean Business Council, and has served as Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Istanbul. Mr. Bilici earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Boston University and a master’s degree in global affairs from Bahçeşehir University.

H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.