As Turkey prepares for its presidential and parliamentary elections, there are growing signs that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's grip on power may be slipping. Despite his long tenure as the country's dominant political figure, Erdoğan is facing mounting challenges from a range of opponents, including opposition parties, civil society groups, and even some within his own party.
In this podcast, we explore the factors that could lead to Erdoğan's defeat in the upcoming elections and what this could mean for Turkey's political landscape and the wider region. Rob explains why he was dancing in the streets of Istanbul in 2015 and explains how his Turkish friends felt about Erdoğan.
We also examine the role of Kılıçdaroğlu and an increasingly politically engaged population, as well as the impact of international factors such as the conflict in Syria and Turkey's strained relations with the West. And we ask whether Turkey is at a crossroads, with the possibility of a new era of political pluralism and democratic renewal, or whether Erdoğan will manage to cling to power through whatever means necessary.
Join us as we explore the many challenges facing Erdoğan and the factors that could lead to his downfall in Turkey's upcoming elections. Whether you're a longtime observer of Turkish politics or simply curious about what's at stake in this pivotal moment, this podcast has something for you.