Publication

This brief looks at the impact of the Turkish population's recent protests in Istanbul and elsewhere on the country's relationship with the EU. Yes, Ankara’s economic and regional influence has made it more attractive to Brussels, but the Erdogan regime’s hard-nosed response to the protests illustrates that a divide in socio-political values still exists. Moderating this divide, this brief argues, remains critical if Turkey hopes to reassert its role as a partner to the EU.