Turkey's Next Move

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In The Media

Carnegie Europe

Turkey's Next Move

While Turkey’s foreign policies have created tension with its neighbors, in the long run those policies are likely to enhance the country’s image across the Arab World.

By Sinan Ülgen

Published on Apr 11, 2012

Source: France 24

Speaking on France 24’s The Debate, Carnegie’s Sinan Ülgen discussed Turkey’s evolving role in Syria. He rejected the notion that Turkey’s latest moves in the region would ruin its relations with its neighbors, especially Iran and Syria. Turkey’s position has created tensions with its neighborhood, Ülgen admitted, but he argued that it will ultimately enhance the country’s image across the Arab World. He explained that Turkey’s democratic and economic vibrancy make it popular as a political model, naturally inclining Ankara to support pro-democracy movements in the Middle East.

Ülgen explained that the Turkish government’s decision on the creation of potential buffer zones in Syria is unlikely to be affected by the lack of public support domestically. He concluded by explaining that, despite recent bouts of illness, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would continue to serve in office, most likely running for presidency in 2014.

About the Author

Sinan Ülgen

Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe

Sinan Ülgen is a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe in Brussels, where his research focuses on Turkish foreign policy, transatlantic relations, international trade, economic security, and digital policy.

Recent Work

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Middle East Europe Türkiye

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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