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Curated by Project Syndicate

Turkey’s Reckoning

24 commentaries

The failed attempt by military factions to overthrow the elected government could be viewed as a victory for democracy. But it also reflects the increasing political polarization, repression of dissent, and fear for the country’s security that have emerged under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

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  1. Realism for Europe and Turkey
    Angela Merkel and Recep Tayyip Erdogan Schicke/Getty Images

    Realism for Europe and Turkey

    Apr 4, 2016 Joschka Fischer on why both sides have an overriding interest in reducing tensions.

  2. How Erdoğan Weakens Turkey
    Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey Pacific Press via ZUMA Wire

    How Erdoğan Weakens Turkey

    Jan 25, 2016 Dominique Moisi blames President Erdoğan's drive for personal power for the country's growing insecurity.

  3. Turkey’s Diplomatic Dogfight
    Turkey flag behind European Union flag.

    Turkey’s Diplomatic Dogfight

    Nov 25, 2015 Ana Palacio calls upon the EU and Turkey to build a genuine partnership, rather than a transactional arrangement.

  4. Erdoğan’s Second Chance
    President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Pacific Press via ZUMA Wire

    Erdoğan’s Second Chance

    Nov 2, 2015 Sinan Ülgen explains what the outcome of Turkey's latest election means for the country's democracy.

  5. Talking Tough to Turkey
    European Union and Turkey national flags

    Talking Tough to Turkey

    Oct 20, 2015 Marietje Schaake urges the EU to confront Turkey over its crackdown on freedom of expression.

  6. Turkey’s Politics of Peace
    Turkey HDP victory celebration Aurore Belot/ZumaPress

    Turkey’s Politics of Peace

    Jun 15, 2015 Carl Bildt says that the country's next government could play a decisive role in stabilizing the region.

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    Why Have Developing Countries Soured on Multilateralism?

    Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg traces the roots of dissatisfaction to advanced economies' use of bodies like the World Trade Organization.
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    A Big Defeat for Big Tech

    Joseph E. Stiglitz

    Tech companies know that if there is an open, democratic debate about data security, consumers’ concerns about digital safeguards will win out. And while the industry's lobbyists tried to ensure that no such debate could ever occur, one of their more cynical moves has now been exposed and thwarted.

    details how the industry tried to slip extraordinary protections against regulation into US trade agreements.
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    Haiti’s Proud Boys

    Slavoj Žižek

    If we measure a failed state by the cracks in the edifice of its power, reflected in brewing ideological civil wars, deadlocked assemblies, and increasingly insecure public spaces, we must recognize that the United States is not so unlike Haiti. Both have given rise to violent gangs with political ambitions.

    warns that rich Western democracies are not immune to politically motivated gang violence.
  5. hedegaard11_y Dursun AydemirAnadolu via Getty Images_parliament elections Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Unity Is Europe’s Greatest Asset

    Connie Hedegaard emphasizes the importance of stability amid persistent economic and geopolitical crises.
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    The Truth About US Immigration

    Nancy Qian warns that overheated campaign-season rhetoric is dangerously polarizing and ultimately self-defeating.
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    The Zombification of Political Parties

    Jan-Werner Mueller argues that Donald Trump’s capture of the GOP’s organizational machinery recalls authoritarian tactics elsewhere.
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    The Economic Consequences of Legal Behavior

    Kaushik Basu highlights the potential benefits of emphasizing adherence to the spirit of laws, if not their letter.
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    For Nigeria’s Schools, Safety Must Come First

    Gordon Brown writes that the latest mass abduction of students underscores the dilemma facing parents throughout the country.

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