Turkey's populism is America's gain

FT full-page analysis on Turkey’s new orientation in foreign policy.

Core logic by way of a Turkish expert at Brookings (Omer Taspinar):

What we are witnessing is not the emergence of an Islamist foreign policy but rather the rise of a populist government that caters to and exploits Turkish frustration with America and Europe.

Nothing odd there compared to, say, a rising America of the late 19^th century.

Complain as you care to, but this is the best we can hope for.  You want a “multi-partner world”?  This is what it looks like:  rising powers with foreign policies that cater to their emerging middle classes in all their conflicting desires.   There is no alternative.

Comments

[Chris van Avery]

I don't see it as either/or. I'd rephrase Mr. Taspinar's conclusion as follows:

What we are witnessing is the emergence of a subtly Islamist foreign policy from a populist government that caters to and exploits Turkish, Middle Eastern and Islamic frustration with America and Europe.