The Erdogan Era in Turkey and Its Legacy

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ruled Turkey for nearly two decades. An inventor of nativist populist politics in the twenty-first century, Erdogan knows how to polarize the electorate to boost his base, and how to wield oppressive tactics when polarization alone cannot win elections. But he faces a number of challenges. His dwindling support base at home, coupled with rising opposition, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Turkey’s weak economy appear to threaten his grip on power. How will he react? In this discussion of his newest book, A Sultan in Autumn, Soner Cagaptay offers insights on the next phase of Erdogan’s rule.