As the political crisis between the U.S. and Turkey intensifies, it becomes hard to decide if the crises situation enforces Turkey’s skepticism vis-a-vis the U.S. and the West in general or if rising anti-Westernism led to the deterioration of relations.
After Turkey changed its political regime, it seems it is now time for a radical change in foreign relations. The recent crisis over the United States demand to free Brunson from house arrest is only the last episode of increasing tension between the U.S. and Turkey. In fact, Turkey started to have problems with the U.S. as early as 2012 after the U.S. changed its politics of the Middle East, particularly regarding Syria.
How many ‘opportunists’ does it take to stabilize a totalitarian regime? Is moral status of ‘opportunism’ qualitatively superior to that of ‘true believers’ or of those who act out of conviction?” asks Richard Wolin in his excellent book “The Seduction of Unreason” on the origins of the rise of far-right politics in Europe as early as 2004.
The politics of the main opposition party have long been defined by an “egoism of small differences” and personal rifts rather than efforts to challenge the opposite camp of conservatists, Islamists and right wing nationalists.
The new liberal credo has turned out to be empathy with masses who elect authoritarian parties and politics. I could be the first to champion that attitude of understanding the reasons behind popular choices rather than condemning majorities as “deplorable.”
The third anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt and its defeat is celebrated with special pomp this year since it is the first public event of the new regime that has taken place after the election. In fact, efforts to defeat the coup attempt deserve to be cherished as a triumph of democracy. Moreover, as all political parties are united to condemn the coup attempt, it could be regarded as a chance of social and political consensus.
Political theories need to invent new theories and concepts to explain what happens all over the world in the era of so-called post-democracy.
“The biggest public opinion poll,” as I call the elections, are over. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his political alliance won the presidency and the majority in parliament. It was no ordinary election, as the governing party has long claimed it was a vote for a “New Turkey” project, or a regime change.
In one week we will see the results of the “biggest opinion poll,” which is how I define election results. We will then know whether a second round in the presidential election will be necessary and we will also start discussing possible future political alliances.
