A brief analysis inside an autocracy
Article by Wagner Hertzog
Erdoğan seems to be politically recovering from the 2016 coup d'état attempts, appearing stronger than ever. Nevertheless, as his regime is becoming gradually more inflictive and restrictive, it’s no surprise that international observers now regard Turkey as an illiberal democracy. Erdoğan’s authoritarian inclinations now demonstrate to the world a pragmatic autocrat that inadvertently rules unopposed Turkish state institutions. The strikes systematically launched against the free press inherently reveal a remarkable and punctual concern about Erdoğan’s regime clearly becoming a dictatorship, and corroding democracy in Turkey. So, what the future has in the cards for this seemingly troubled country? And what will be Erdoğan’s next step? These are questions that are probably in the mind of each and every person accompanying the state of things in Turkey nowadays.
Erdoğan’s authoritarian style of government has made the headlines all around the globe. It is possible to see that Erdoğan deeply believes that a vertical rule is the most pragmatic resolution for the political instability that victimized the country for so long. But as the truth slowly emerges, as corruption scandals torn the country apart, his name appears as one of the political leaders compromised in illicit affairs.
Mainly concerned with coup attempts, Erdoğan is willing to incarcerate each and every individual who may try to interrupt his rule, or dispose him from office. Analyzing the situation under Erdoğan’s perspective, a powerful leader with a strong, inflexible agenda will have better opportunities to rule the country without any interruption or concerns. From this point of view, progress and development can become a gradual reality for all Turks, if he can concentrate in government issues for the benefits of the population. And given the fact that Turkey indeed has been suffering from chronic political instability, this appears to be the best solution.
Erdoğan’s authoritarian style of government has made the headlines all around the globe. It is possible to see that Erdoğan deeply believes that a vertical rule is the most pragmatic resolution for the political instability that victimized the country for so long. But as the truth slowly emerges, as corruption scandals torn the country apart, his name appears as one of the political leaders compromised in illicit affairs.
Mainly concerned with coup attempts, Erdoğan is willing to incarcerate each and every individual who may try to interrupt his rule, or dispose him from office. Analyzing the situation under Erdoğan’s perspective, a powerful leader with a strong, inflexible agenda will have better opportunities to rule the country without any interruption or concerns. From this point of view, progress and development can become a gradual reality for all Turks, if he can concentrate in government issues for the benefits of the population. And given the fact that Turkey indeed has been suffering from chronic political instability, this appears to be the best solution.
But in practice, this means the establishment of horrifying measures for this to work: an authoritarian rule, almost absolute, will have to take place to sustain this structure. Persecuting and incarcerating opposition parties and forbidding the free press to remain active are some of the hardest measures taken by Erdoğan.
How sincere Erdoğan really is is a matter of debate. Like all statesmen, he goes where the wind of the political agenda takes him, going all the necessary steps to maintain his circle of power and influence. With his name compromised in a series of political scandals and upheavals, the political arena is yet to see Erdoğan taking more humble and humanitarian efforts, not only for the sake of the political office, his government or his political objectives, but also with the main concern of benefiting the Turks in general, for once and for all.
How sincere Erdoğan really is is a matter of debate. Like all statesmen, he goes where the wind of the political agenda takes him, going all the necessary steps to maintain his circle of power and influence. With his name compromised in a series of political scandals and upheavals, the political arena is yet to see Erdoğan taking more humble and humanitarian efforts, not only for the sake of the political office, his government or his political objectives, but also with the main concern of benefiting the Turks in general, for once and for all.
