Recep Erdoğan is close to securing the 50 per cent of the vote needed to continue as president of Turkey but, with a presidential run-off due on 28 May, what would a victory for him mean for Turkey’s democracy?
The panel also discusses if the opposition under Kemal Kilicdaroglu has lost momentum, and exaimines the impact on the election of issues such as identity politics, the economy, foreign policy, and the recent devastating earthquakes.
They also consider Turkey’s place in the world, and Ankara’s ties to Russia, Europe, and the US,as well as what the election could mean for Sweden’s entry into NATO and the future of Turkey’s fragile economy.
Joining Bronwen Maddox on the show this week from Chatham House is Galip Dalay, associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa programme, and Timothy Ash, associate fellow with the Russia and Eurasia programme. They are joined by Evren Balta, professor of international relations at Özyeğin University, and former BBC journalist Guney Yildiz, now with Cambridge University.
About Independent Thinking
Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.
More ways to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.