World Affairs Council Luncheon

This is the Kickoff Program of the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council.  This month’s speaker is: Dr. Omer Taspınar is Professor of National Security Strategy at the U.S. National War.  His research focuses on Turkey; Europe; Middle East; American Foreign Policy; Muslim Minorities in Europe; Political Economy; and Islamic Radicalism.

His topic will be:  The Turkish Predicament: From Strategic Ally to Strategic Challenge?

Not too long ago, Turkey was hailed as a strategic ally and a model country for the Middle East, exemplifying the compatibility of Islam, democracy, secularism and western orientation.

Today, this model is no more. Turkey’s strategic alliance with the United States and its democratic journey has been derailed by a series of challenges ranging from the autocratic tendencies of President Erdogan, to the Kurdish problem at home and regional instability in Syria and Iraq.

What went wrong in Turkey and Turkish-American relations?  What are the domestic and regional dynamics facing this geo-strategically crucial country?