In conversation with Can Dundar
In conversation with Can Dundar
Hosted by Feryal Clark MP
📍 Boothroyd Room in Portcullis House, 1 Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JR
🗓️ Monday, 11th December
⏱️ 7.15-9.00pm GMT
On Monday, December 11th, the Boothroyd Room at Portcullis House in London was the venue for a compelling and deeply insightful event titled “In Conversation with Can Dündar,” hosted by Feryal Clark MP. The evening’s discussion centered around the pressing political issues facing Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, particularly the ongoing struggle between democracy and autocracy.
Can Dündar, a prominent Turkish journalist now living in exile, offered a profound exploration of the political dynamics that have shaped modern Turkey. His new book served as a focal point for the discussion, providing a platform for Dündar to share his motivations and offer a glimpse into his personal experiences and observations. He candidly spoke about the difficulty of maintaining objectivity while writing about Erdoğan, stressing the importance of journalistic integrity even when dealing with contentious figures.
Dündar traced the evolution of Erdoğan’s political persona, from his early days as a promising reformer to his current status as an authoritarian leader. He explained how Erdoğan has adeptly recreated himself at various junctures, adjusting his approach to seize and maintain power. This adaptability, combined with both local and global circumstances, has enabled Erdoğan to consolidate his control over Turkey. Dündar emphasized that Erdoğan’s transformation was not only a result of his personal ambitions but also a response to the changing political landscape and the opportunities that arose.
Locally, the late 1990s presented a tumultuous period for Turkey, characterized by economic crises, political instability, and a general sense of desperation among the populace. Erdoğan capitalized on this environment, presenting himself as a charismatic leader with a new vision for Turkey. His early promises of democracy and reform resonated with a populace eager for change.
Globally, Dündar noted the strategic context of the time, particularly the Western support for Islamist movements as a counterbalance to communism. This support, he argued, inadvertently strengthened Erdoğan’s position. The American policy of fostering Islamist groups against the USSR created a fertile ground for Erdoğan’s rise, as many in Turkey, including elements within the military, viewed Islam as a cultural bulwark against communism.
One of the key themes of the evening was Erdoğan’s ability to recreate himself to align with his ambitions. Dündar illustrated this with examples of how Erdoğan was willing to change his public persona and policies to gain and retain power. From his initial reluctance to shake hands with women to later embracing such gestures to appear more moderate, Erdoğan’s flexibility has been a cornerstone of his political strategy.
The conversation also touched on the significant mistakes made by opposition parties and the broader socio-political environment that allowed Erdoğan’s rise. Dündar criticized the opposition for underestimating Erdoğan and failing to present a united front. He also discussed the international context, highlighting how global powers have sometimes inadvertently supported the growth of Islamist movements, viewing them as allies against other threats.
During the Q&A session, Dündar responded to questions about his life in exile, the challenges of reporting on Turkey from abroad, and the lessons learned from recent Turkish elections. He spoke about the isolation and difficulties faced by exiled journalists, emphasizing the struggle to remain connected to their home country and provide accurate reporting. Dündar also addressed the international community’s response to Erdoğan’s actions, particularly NATO’s stance, and the complexities of the refugee crisis. He argued that Erdoğan has masterfully used crises to his advantage, leveraging them to gain international support and financial aid.
The event concluded with a discussion on the future of Turkey and the potential for change. Dündar expressed cautious optimism, noting that despite Erdoğan’s significant support, there remains a substantial portion of the population that opposes his rule. He stressed the importance of continued resistance and the need for a united and strategic opposition.
Overall, the event provided a deep and nuanced understanding of Turkey’s current political climate, highlighting the precarious balance between democratic aspirations and authoritarian realities. Can Dündar’s insights offered valuable perspectives on the path forward for Turkey and the broader implications for similar struggles worldwide.