

Can Turkey Become a Major Power? Kamran Bokhari on George Friedman's Prediction in The Next 100 Years
11 snips Sep 30, 2025
Kamran Bokhari, a geopolitical expert and senior director at the New Lines Institute, dives into Turkey's potential as a major Middle Eastern power. He discusses George Friedman's predictions, highlighting Turkey's strategic opportunities amid regional instability. Bokhari explores Turkey's influence in Gaza, the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a competitor, and how weakened regional players benefit Turkey. He also addresses economic constraints, military expansion, and historical rivalries with Saudi Arabia, painting a complex picture of Turkey's future on the global stage.
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Turkey's Role In Post‑War Gaza Talks
- Post‑war Gaza planning is driving new regional arrangements with Turkey appearing central.
- Turkey's close ties to Qatar and seat next to Trump signal behind‑the‑scenes influence.
US Political Needs Create Regional Openings
- The US seeks a fast foreign-policy 'win' and is assembling regional actors for Gaza responsibilities.
- That political urgency creates openings Turkey can exploit to expand influence.
Strategic Geography Powers Turkey
- Turkey's geography gives it a structural advantage as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Occupying Anatolia positions any regime to project power across the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Caucasus, and Europe.