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In order to keep abreast of the rapidly changing political situation in the Islamic Middle East, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation is currently conducting a lecture series on political movements in the region. For this, the 13th lecture, Dr. Talip Küçükcan and Mr. Ufuk Ulutaş of The Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) were invited to deliver a talk on Thursday 25th of September on the subject of ‘Challenges for the Erdoğan Administration in Regional Stabilization’.

Against the background of robust economic growth in Turkey, Prime Minister Erdoğan secured a third term in office, winning strong support and ensuring political continuity. As a member of both NATO and G20, Turkey is conscious of the important strategic role it plays in regional stability; it continues to work towards improving and strengthening relations between neighboring countries, Middle-East peace process, diplomatic solutions to Iran’s nuclear development issue and the crisis in Syria.

From the point of view of countries that experienced the Arab Spring, Turkey is seen as a model for democratization. On the other hand, the moderate Islam AKP (Justice and Development Party) has granted permission for women to wear headscarves and controlled the sale and consumption of alcohol, which goes against the separation of state and religion that has been national policy since the establishment of the Republic. This led to demonstrations by the people against these polices. The demonstrations that began in May 2013 against the redevelopment of Taksim Square turned into anti-government protests that spread nationwide.

This lecture will provide expert analysis of the influence of the political reforms and regime changes in the Middle-East on the domestic and foreign policy of the Erdoğan Administration.