This podcast explores President Erdogan's complex political journey, from his nod to the liberal West while appealing to the Conservative East. It delves into his relationship with the army and the threat of coups, as well as his consolidation of power and potential Muslim Brotherhood ties. The podcast also discusses Erdogan's foreign policy, media control, and his shift towards Shia Islamism.
Erdogan consolidated power by using an influential Sufi figure to target the secular establishment and suppress opponents.
Erdogan's AKP party formed alliances with far-right nationalist movements, creating a unique blend of Islamist nationalism in Turkish politics.
Deep dives
Erdogan's Rise to Power and Islamist Tendencies
Erdogan's political career began as the mayor of Istanbul, and he quickly rose to become the prime minister of Turkey in 2003. He faced opposition from secularists and the military, which led to a failed coup attempt in 2016. Erdogan's religious inclinations became more evident as he aligned with Fethullah Gulen, an influential Sufi figure, to target the secular establishment. He used Gulen's network to consolidate power and suppress his opponents. Erdogan's ideology blended Islamism with Turkish nationalism, forming an increasingly hardline and populist party.
The Failed Coup and Erdogan's Consolidation of Power
In 2016, a coup attempt was launched against Erdogan by Gulenist military units. However, it failed due to a divided and leaderless army. Erdogan's quick response and urging of his supporters to take to the streets led to clashes between his supporters and the coup plotters. Erdogan purged tens of thousands of civil servants and military personnel after the coup, solidifying his power. He further centralized power by changing the constitution, turning Turkey into a presidential system of governance.
Changing Political Landscape and Challenges
Erdogan's AKP party formed alliances with far-right nationalist movements, creating a unique blend of Islamist nationalism in Turkish politics. This, combined with their religious voting base, continues to secure electoral victories for the AKP. Erdogan's control over the media and the purging of opponents has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Turkey. However, his foreign policy ambitions have garnered influence in the region, positioning Turkey as a power broker. The future of Erdogan's Islamist nationalist movement and its impact on Turkey's political landscape remains uncertain.
The Influence on Muslim Brotherhood and Global Scale
While Erdogan may not be a formal member of the Muslim Brotherhood, he has aligned with their ideology and furthered their goals through his foreign policies. Turkey has hosted Muslim Brotherhood leaders and acted as a supporter of the movement in various countries. Istanbul has become a hub for their activities. Erdogan's actions have facilitated the spread of the Muslim Brotherhood's influence on a global scale.
President Erdogan’s time in power has been a fascinating period for Turkey - at once nodding to the liberal West, while simultaneously winking at the more Conservative East. It’s his country in a nutshell, and his policies in economics, social welfare, secularisation and his relationship with the EU all prove it. But one thing has always haunted him: the army, and their historical proclivity towards coups.
In this second episode on the life and times of Erdogan, we analyse his time at the top of Turkish politics. We’ll see him saying one thing while doing another, and securing Turkey’s status as one of the globe’s most significant geopolitical players. And finally, we’ll show how he overcame an underground opposition that tried to force him from power, allowing him to consolidate his own. Could this be the thing which let his mask slip, revealing his Muslim Brotherhood credentials?
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