The New Sultanate

The New Sultanate

From FDD's Foreign Podicy by FDD, Cliff May

April 10, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Turkey's transformation under Erdoğan and its implications for America, NATO, and Israel.

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States, Turkey offered a sliver of optimism in a region defined by turmoil — a Muslim-majority democracy, a NATO ally, and even a friend of Israel. But after more than two decades under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, that Turkey is long gone. So, what happened? And what does it mean for America, NATO, Israel — and the future of the Middle East? FDD Turkey experts Sinan Ciddi and Jonathan Schanzer join host Cliff May to assess Turkey’s transformation, including the strategic consequences only now coming into focus.

People in this episode

Host: Cliff May

Guests: Sinan Ciddi, Jonathan Schanzer

Topics covered

  • Turkey
  • Erdoğan
  • Middle East
  • NATO
  • U.S. foreign policy
  • Israel

Keywords

  • Turkey
  • Erdoğan
  • NATO
  • Middle East
  • September 11
  • U.S. foreign policy
  • Israel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Turkey, NATO, Israel

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