Angry Planet Erdogan’s Path to Pure Authoritarianism
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Apr 15, 2025 Steven Cook, an expert on Middle Eastern and Turkish politics at the Council on Foreign Relations, dissects the troubling rise of authoritarianism under Erdogan. He discusses the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, a significant political rival, and the implications of competitive authoritarianism in Turkey. The conversation touches on Erdogan's controversial political strategies, including constitutional changes and purges against dissent. They further explore the broader decline of democratic institutions and the youth's disconnection from a ruler who appears increasingly autocratic.
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Competitive Authoritarianism in Turkey
- Competitive authoritarianism describes elections with meaning within an authoritarian system.
- This concept misses nuances like Erdogan stripping elected officials of power, highlighting a deeper authoritarian trend.
Corruption Charges Against Istanbul's Mayor
- Ironically, Erdogan's party arrested Istanbul's mayor on corruption charges.
- This is despite credible corruption allegations against Erdogan's government and family.
PKK Leader's Call for Peace
- The PKK leader, Abdullah Ocalan, imprisoned since 1999, called for his organization to lay down arms.
- This action offers hope for peace but faces skepticism due to past failed negotiations and the PKK's potential evolution.