Turkey has been undergoing a slow-motion regime change that manifests itself in the deteriorating condition of human rights in the country and its diplomatic and economic relations.

Turkey seems to be no longer interested in membership to the European Union (EU) or the fulfillment of reforms required for membership. There are increasing questions raised about its commitment to NATO membership. Today, Turkey is rather disoriented in its foreign policy decisions.

Since the failed coup in July 2016, Turkey has systematically purged and arrested thousands of people on terror charges, including teachers, police officers, members of the judiciary, Kurdish politicians and members of opposition groups. A state of emergency has been in place since the failed coup that has turned Turkey’s already fragile and weak democracy into a one-man rule that runs the country with state of emergency decrees. The coup failed but the catastrophe and destruction that comes with a successful coup are in full force in Turkey.

In this event, Prof Tahir Abbas will talk about the situation of human rights in Turkey while Dr. Katerina Dalacoura will talk about the country’s relations with neighbouring countries in the Middle East and Prof William Hale will elaborate on Party Politics in Turkey and Electoral Scenarios.

This event is hosted by Peter Kyle MP.

Speakers Biography

Dr Katerina Dalacoura

Associate Professor in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Dr Katerina Dalacoura's research interests include international democracy and human rights norms and Islamism in the Middle East, with special reference to Turkey and Egypt; aspects of Western policy in the Middle East; the international politics of culture and religion, with particular reference to Islam.

Prof William Hale

Emeritus Professor of Politics at SOAS

William Hale is an Emeritus Professor at SOAS. He retired as Professor of Politics with Special Reference to Turkey in 2006.

Prof. Tahir Abbas

Senior Research Fellow at RUSI

Tahir Abbas is a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. He specialises in ethnic relations, radicalisation and violent extremism. In December 2016, he published a book on ethnicity, Islam and politics in Turkey. He is currently researching and writing two books.