Carnegie Europe
Biden’s recognition of the killing and deportation of Armenians as genocide has caused outrage in Turkey. Dealing with a nation’s past is immensely complex. It can only be done by a country’s leaders and citizens.
Thomas de Waal assesses the implications of U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to recognize that the World War I-era killing and deportation of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire was a genocide.
Turkey must make progress on the rule of law and human rights before the European Union can negotiate on Ankara's demands, including the renewal of the customs union and financial support for the facilitation of Syrian refugees.
Ankara’s goal in dealing with Europe is to limit the future agenda to trade, economic matters, and refugee arrangements. In a diminishing space for civil society, academic freedom, and human rights, EU leaders are divided over what strategy to pursue with Turkey.
2030 will be a milestone for the Turkish president, who faces crucial elections and the Republic's centennial celebration. As he ramps up his charm offensive, Europe must be careful not to abdicate its values and interests.
As Turkey has increased its military and economic influence over the past decade, relations with the West have become strained. Both sides will have to bend if Ankara and Washington are to work together again.
With U.S. President Joe Biden in office, the EU and the United States must find ways to repair the relationship and seek common ground from which to address the global shifts and challenges of the coming decades.
Turkey’s eroding democracy and assertive foreign policy loom large on the international stage. In 2021, the EU and the United States must protect their interests by containing Turkey’s disruptive behavior while maintaining economic and security ties.
The new U.S. sanctions will hurt Turkey, but they are also an opportunity to renew U.S.-Turkish relations. President-elect Joe Biden’s arrival will be a chance for both sides to find common ground and salvage a critical relationship.
Turkey has begun to take steps toward a more coherent economic policy, but its outcome will ultimately be determined by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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