A version of this blog appeared on Carnegie Endowment
On May 9, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss energy cooperation and the war in Ukraine. The meeting highlights a broader trend in Central and Eastern Europe: Even after Viktor Orban’s fall from power in Hungary, several regional leaders continue to engage with Russia in search of economic...
Turkey’s path to the dictatorship
The first phase of Erdoğan’s plan to neutralize the main opposition party — carried out in cooperation with former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu — has been completed. The crisis escalated when figures close to Kılıçdaroğlu, along with individuals linked to organized crime, made their way to CHP headquarters. It intensified further after Kılıçdaroğlu submitted a petition to the Ankara Police...
4th Week of February: Peace with an Iron Fist
The last week of February witnessed rapid developments in Turkey, marked by the regime's new oppressive...
The potential removal of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) from terrorism lists by Turkey, the EU, and the US could foster peace and enhance Turkish democracy. This designation often serves political motives rather than reflecting legal truths, complicating peace efforts. Historical context reveals that both Turkey and the PKK share blame for violence. Delisting the PKK might renew negotiations, benefiting all parties, albeit with risks of restoration to the terrorist list if unsuccessful.