Turkey at a crossroads - Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie on the Hessischer Rundfunk programme ‘DER TAG’ Turkey at a crossroads - Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie on the Hessischer Rundfunk programme ‘DER TAG’

Turkey is increasingly using its geopolitical advantage strategically and often uncompromisingly in its own favour - a fact that is also being closely observed in the USA. President Erdoğan maintains close personal contacts, for example with Donald Trump, and acts flexibly in foreign policy, for example by utilising international forums such as BRICS or the Arab League. At the same time, domestic political tensions and protests are on the rise, raising questions about the country's democratic development. In an interview with Hessischer Rundfunk, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie talks about Turkey's growing strategic importance and the challenges for Europe. Since the migration crisis, the geopolitical value of the country for the EU is undisputed. Nevertheless, clear criticism of democratic setbacks must not be spared. Europe needs to adopt a diplomatically balanced but principled stance towards Ankara.