Turkey's recent elections show a rise in the success of populism globally, with incumbent President Erdogan winning despite the country's economic and governmental challenges.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine remains determined to reclaim its territory from Russian forces and believes it can win the war with a united front and unwavering determination.
Deep dives
Turkey's recent general election and the rise of illiberal democracy
In Turkey, the recent general election was expected to mark a break with the trend toward illiberal democracy. However, the results showed a victory for incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who did better than predicted. This is surprising given Turkey's economic catastrophe and the government's poor response to an earthquake. The political playing field in Turkey is heavily tilted in favor of Erdogan, with the state supporting his supporters and the media being pro-government. Turkey's democracy is being dismantled, and opposition leaders are facing jail time and other restrictions on their political involvement.
Ukraine's counter-offensive and the determination to reclaim territory
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the situation in Hiroshima to the hard-fought city of Bakhmut in Ukraine, emphasizing the determination to reclaim territory from Russian forces. Ukrainian generals and officials believe they can win the war and reclaim all their territory, despite the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian people have shown a united front and are willing to continue fighting until Ukraine is free. They believe they can beat the Russians, and the only question is the time scale and the damage incurred along the way.
Pakistan's political turmoil and challenges to democracy
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan recounts the challenges to democracy in Pakistan, highlighting the dismantling of the democratic system and the refusal to hold elections. Khan expresses concern about his own safety and the deteriorating rule of law in the country. He believes that the opposition and the establishment are working together to prevent fair elections and create instability. Many of his party members have been arrested, and he himself faces potential arrest. Khan emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections for political stability and economic recovery in Pakistan.
The enduring appeal of strongman populism
Political scientist Pippa Norris discusses the appeal of strongman populism and the rise of anti-elite sentiment. Authoritarian populism often targets perceived corruption and claims to bring fresh perspectives and patriotic values to politics. It taps into cultural divisions and moral values, allowing leaders to position themselves as defenders of traditional beliefs. This cultural backlash against liberalizing trends has gained traction in various countries, including Turkey, the United States, Europe, and Latin America. While its electoral fortunes can vary, the battle for cultural hearts and minds remains a significant factor in shaping political landscapes around the world.
This week Fareed hosts a panel with AEI Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies Kori Schake and Council on Foreign Relations Fellow Gideon Rose, who are both just back from Ukraine. They discuss the state of the war, the U.S. debt ceiling crisis, and Biden's foreign policy. Then, Fareed speaks with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, recently arrested and released on bail, for his side of the story. Finally, Pippa Norris, a professor of comparative politics at Harvard University, joins the show to discuss Turkey's recent elections and how they illustrate a rise in the success of populism globally.
