Erdoğan’s Reelection Illustrates the Bleak Future of Turkish Democracy Erdoğan’s Reelection Illustrates the Bleak Future of Turkish Democracy Turkey saw unprecedented political mobilization, partly because going to the ballot box offered one of the last opportunities to make one’s voice heard. But little changed. May 31, 2023 Michael Werz
Opportunities and Challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean: Examining U.S. Interests and Regional Cooperation TestimonyMay 2, 2022 Opportunities and Challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean: Examining U.S. Interests and Regional Cooperation Alan Makovsky, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, provided testimony on March 31, 2022, before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the United States’ involvement in the Eastern Mediterranean amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. May 2, 2022 Alan Makovsky
Northern Syria Security Dynamics and the Refugee Crisis ReportMay 26, 2021 Northern Syria Security Dynamics and the Refugee Crisis Ensuring stability in northern Syria will require international engagement that balances humanitarian concerns with the moral hazard created by Turkey’s occupation. May 26, 2021 Max Hoffman, Alan Makovsky
Flashpoints in U.S.-Turkey Relations in 2021 ReportJan 19, 2021 Flashpoints in U.S.-Turkey Relations in 2021 Turkey’s pursuit of strategic autonomy should be met with firm transactionalism by the Biden administration, and while this stance is unlikely to change President Erdoğan’s unilateral approach, it could help preserve certain institutional ties. Jan 19, 2021 Max Hoffman
The Turkish Diaspora in Europe ReportDec 10, 2020 The Turkish Diaspora in Europe Polling shows that members of Europe’s Turkish and Turkish-Kurdish diaspora value their separate identity; nevertheless, they welcome the opportunities and freedom of life in Europe, even in the face of lingering discrimination. Dec 10, 2020 Max Hoffman, Alan Makovsky, Michael Werz
The First 100 Days: Toward a More Sustainable and Values-Based National Security Approach ReportOct 19, 2020 The First 100 Days: Toward a More Sustainable and Values-Based National Security Approach An actionable plan for the next administration’s progressive national security agenda. Oct 19, 2020 the CAP National Security and International Policy Team
Interactive: The First 100 Days InteractiveOct 19, 2020 Interactive: The First 100 Days This interactive database features nearly 250 recommendations that the next administration can advance, adopt, and implement within the first 100 days to set the country on a path toward a more progressive national security approach. Oct 19, 2020 the CAP National Security and International Policy Team
Turkey’s President Erdoğan Is Losing Ground at Home ReportAug 24, 2020 Turkey’s President Erdoğan Is Losing Ground at Home Generational change and shifting attitudes in conservative Turkey could bring fragmentation of the dominant right-wing bloc and, potentially, a new political alignment—prospects that will continue to shape President Erdoğan’s actions at home and abroad. Aug 24, 2020 Max Hoffman
Turkey’s Changing Media Landscape ReportJun 10, 2020 Turkey’s Changing Media Landscape Government censorship is rapidly reshaping how Turks get their news, with major implications for Turkish foreign policy, political polarization, and Erdoğan’s rule. Jun 10, 2020 Andrew O’Donohue, Max Hoffman, Alan Makovsky
Turkish Conservatives’ Loyalty to Erdoğan and Views on Potential Successors ArticleDec 5, 2019 Turkish Conservatives’ Loyalty to Erdoğan and Views on Potential Successors While President Erdoğan’s support is not boundless, no potential successor currently appears able to hold together the diverse conservative constituency that dominates Turkish politics. Dec 5, 2019 Max Hoffman
Trump’s Syria Shambles ReportOct 24, 2019 Trump’s Syria Shambles President Trump’s withdrawal from Syria has thrown the region into chaos, shattered American credibility, and uncovered deep problems with U.S. policy toward Turkey. Oct 24, 2019 Max Hoffman
The State of the Turkish-Kurdish Conflict ReportAug 12, 2019 The State of the Turkish-Kurdish Conflict The benefits of rapprochement between the Turkish government and Kurdish militants are clear, but hopes for an easing of tensions rest on shaky political ground. Aug 12, 2019 Max Hoffman
Responding to Turkey’s Purchase of Russia’s S-400 Missile System ReportMar 21, 2019 Responding to Turkey’s Purchase of Russia’s S-400 Missile System If Ankara moves forward with the purchase of Russia’s air defense system, the United States should begin downgrading security ties with Turkey. Mar 21, 2019 Max Hoffman
Turkey’s Refugee Dilemma ReportMar 13, 2019 Turkey’s Refugee Dilemma Despite Turkish leaders’ frequent insistence that Syrian refugees will return home, privately, they seem to be preparing for the likelihood that most will remain permanently. Mar 13, 2019 Alan Makovsky
A Snapshot of Turkish Public Opinion Toward the European Union ReportSep 27, 2018 A Snapshot of Turkish Public Opinion Toward the European Union Turkish public opinion is hostile toward the European Union and may limit the potential of Ankara’s recent attempts to reset relations with the Euro bloc. Sep 27, 2018 Max Hoffman
What Turkey’s Political Changes Mean for U.S.-Turkish Relations ReportJul 31, 2018 What Turkey’s Political Changes Mean for U.S.-Turkish Relations The United States should take a harder line with Turkey and begin to prepare for the potential implications of Erdoğan’s aggressive nationalism. Jul 31, 2018 Max Hoffman, Alan Makovsky, Michael Werz
Erdoğan Not Assured of First-Round Victory ArticleJun 14, 2018 Erdoğan Not Assured of First-Round Victory A major new poll ahead of Turkish elections shows sharp divisions among Turks about the president’s tenure and the vulnerability of Erdoğan and the government on the economy. Jun 14, 2018 John Halpin, Max Hoffman, Alan Makovsky, 1 More Michael Werz
Turkey, a Nation Stuck in Politicized, Primordial Worldviews ArticleFeb 20, 2018 Turkey, a Nation Stuck in Politicized, Primordial Worldviews Turkish politics is dominated by amorphous questions of identity, rather than tangible questions of public policy. Feb 20, 2018 Günter Seufert
How New Is Turkey’s ‘New Nationalism’? ArticleFeb 14, 2018 How New Is Turkey’s ‘New Nationalism’? President Erdoğan has clearly expanded the place of Islam in Turkish society, but today's Turkish nationalism has deep historical roots. Feb 14, 2018 Howard Eissenstat
Turkey’s ‘New Nationalism’ Amid Shifting Politics ReportFeb 11, 2018 Turkey’s ‘New Nationalism’ Amid Shifting Politics Security threats and populist leadership have left Turkey in a defensive crouch and driven the emergence of a new, conservative nationalism. Feb 11, 2018 Max Hoffman, Michael Werz, John Halpin
Is Turkey Experiencing a New Nationalism? ReportFeb 11, 2018 Is Turkey Experiencing a New Nationalism? A new CAP study finds broad consensus among Turks about the dimensions of Turkish national identity and the nation's relationship to the rest of the world. Feb 11, 2018 John Halpin, Michael Werz, Alan Makovsky, 1 More Max Hoffman
Potential Turkish Military Move on Afrin Risks Wider War ArticleJan 19, 2018 Potential Turkish Military Move on Afrin Risks Wider War A Turkish military move on Syrian Kurdish forces in Afrin could spark fighting between Kurdish and Turkish-backed forces across northern Syria, with disastrous ramifications for all parties. Jan 19, 2018 Max Hoffman
Turkey’s Parliament ReportDec 19, 2017 Turkey’s Parliament There may be some room for meaningful parliamentary action under the vastly expanded executive power of the new Turkish presidential system. Dec 19, 2017 Alan Makovsky
The European Union and Turkey in 2017: Move On or Apart? ReportJul 24, 2017 The European Union and Turkey in 2017: Move On or Apart? It is time for the EU to take a hard-line approach when it comes to human rights and democracy within Turkey and, at the same time, more strongly emphasize continued engagement. Jul 24, 2017 Michael Werz
Trends in Turkish Civil Society ReportJul 10, 2017 Trends in Turkish Civil Society Despite tremendous government pressure, Turkey’s vibrant civil society has the potential to help the country confront deep political and social problems. Jul 10, 2017 The Center for American Progress, the Istanbul Policy Center, the Istituto Affari Internazionali
Trump’s Conflicts of Interest in Turkey ArticleJun 14, 2017 Trump’s Conflicts of Interest in Turkey Trump’s national security adviser may have pushed to delay a key military offensive against the Islamic State because it would upset Turkey, without revealing that he was on Turkey’s payroll throughout the campaign. Jun 14, 2017 John Norris, Carolyn Kenney
Trump’s First 100 Days in the Middle East ReportApr 26, 2017 Trump’s First 100 Days in the Middle East While President Trump has so far largely held off on his most reckless policy ideas, his first 100 days show both surprising continuity and troubling shifts that could undercut U.S. interests. Apr 26, 2017 Daniel Benaim
Erdoğan’s Proposal for an Empowered Presidency ReportMar 22, 2017 Erdoğan’s Proposal for an Empowered Presidency Turks will vote April 16 in a referendum on proposed constitutional amendments that would greatly enhance the power of the presidency and reinforce Turkey’s democratic decline. Mar 22, 2017 Alan Makovsky
Turkey After the July Coup Attempt ArticleSep 27, 2016 Turkey After the July Coup Attempt The July 15 coup attempt was deeply traumatic for Turkey, but that does not justify President Erdoğan’s many disturbing postcoup actions. Sep 27, 2016 Alan Makovsky
The Process Behind Turkey’s Proposed Extradition of Fethullah Gülen ReportSep 7, 2016 The Process Behind Turkey’s Proposed Extradition of Fethullah Gülen The most high-profile extradition request in recent history may shape Turkey’s relationship with the United States. Sep 7, 2016 Michael Werz, Max Hoffman
Turkey 2023: Four Profiles of Modern Turkey VideoJul 20, 2016 Turkey 2023: Four Profiles of Modern Turkey This minidocumentary explores the challenges and opportunities that Turkey faces ahead of the 100th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's founding of the modern republic. Jul 20, 2016 Andrew Satter, Michael Werz, Max Hoffman
Turkey’s Path to Prosperity in 2023 ReportJul 20, 2016 Turkey’s Path to Prosperity in 2023 Structural reform to education, the judiciary, and regulatory authorities can help Turkey unlock its potential and achieve its ambitious economic goals. Jul 20, 2016 The Center for American Progress, the Istanbul Policy Center, the Istituto Affari Internazionali
Turkey-Iran Relations ReportJul 11, 2016 Turkey-Iran Relations For Turkey and Iran to move away from their destructive regional confrontation and toward stability, they need to return to their previous policy of selective cooperation, compartmentalization, and mediation. Jul 11, 2016 Bülent Aras, Emirhan Yorulmazlar
Emerging Threats and New Trends in Turkish Foreign Policy ReportJun 29, 2016 Emerging Threats and New Trends in Turkish Foreign Policy Turkey is set to downsize its foreign policy ambitions and reduce its confrontational style in regional politics. Jun 29, 2016 Galip Dalay
Turkey’s Digital Divides ReportJun 27, 2016 Turkey’s Digital Divides Turkey’s political and social conditions hinder the internet’s ability to improve economic growth, government efficiency, and democratic participation. Jun 27, 2016 Max Hoffman
Is Erdoğan Holding Europe Hostage? ReportMay 24, 2016 Is Erdoğan Holding Europe Hostage? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wants to use Turkey’s migrant deal with the European Union to achieve his goals in Syria and force Europe to accept his authoritarian streak. May 24, 2016 Behlül Özkan