CONFLICTED
President Erdogan: The Mask Slips
Sep 27, 2023
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.
58:47
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
