Global Scans · Turkey · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Uncertainties over Turkey's eventual political position abound. With EU decisions in doubt, recent crackdown on opposition parties causing concerns, and being embroiled in complex Middle East politics and fighting terrorism on its borders and internally, which way will she swing?

• [New] A more stable Syria could facilitate refugee returns and unlock economic prospects reminiscent of Turkey's ties with Iraqi Kurdistan, even though doubts persist about Ankara's material capabilities to outcompete Gulf monarchies in shaping Syria's reconstruction. CIDOB
• [New] Turkey seems to have the clearest idea about which actors will play a central role in a multipolar world order - namely, the US, China and Russia. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• [New] As NATO's second-largest military, Turkey's operational experience, forward presence, and ability to project power across adjacent regions contribute to the broader credibility of NATO's deterrence posture. Atlantic Council
• [New] In the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and evolving security risks in the Black Sea region, Turkey functions as a critical geopolitical hub linking multiple domains of deterrence. Atlantic Council
• [New] Another 125,000 jobs could disappear by 2035 without major competitiveness reforms. / Turkey LinkedIn
• [New] Kazakhstan is working jointly with Uzbekistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan on the development of the CubeSat scientific satellite, scheduled for launch in 2027. The Astana Times
• [New] The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey raised its year-end inflation forecast for 2026 to 26% from 18% in its second inflation report, citing mounting price pressures triggered by the Iran war and disruptions tied to energy markets around the Strait of Hormuz. Turkiye Today
• [New] Governor Fatih Karahan announced interim targets of 24% (2026), 15% (2027), and 9% (2028), with a tight monetary stance to last longer than previously expected. / Turkey Yeni Safak
• [New] Ankara wants to advance relations with the EU on a win-win basis based on mutual obligations and a full membership perspective, adding that Turkey expects the same sincere will from Brussels. Turkish Minute
• [New] Today, amid the Russian threat and increasingly uncertain transatlantic relations, Turkey is once again being seen as a key country in the highly strategic domains of defence and energy connectivity. CEPS
• [New] The CHP envisions a Turkey that does not chase imperial ambitions, but is ambitious for regional peace, cooperation, and shared development, from Europe to the Middle East, for today's citizens and for future generations. Journal of Democracy
• [New] Turkey could become too Eastern for Western allies to fully trust while remaining too connected to NATO for Russia and China to treat as a dependable partner. Fair Observer
• [New] Regarding the impact of regional developments on tourism, Alpaslan emphasized that Turkey will continue to be among the world's most important tourism destinations thanks to its cultural and historical assets. Daily Sabah
• [New] Turkey and Israel have now established a communications channel in Syria, brokered by the United States, to reduce the risk of accidental clashes as both sides expand their military footprints there. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] A new report by Turkey's Interior Ministry has highlighted growing concerns over online incel communities and their potential impact on children and adolescents, warning that some digital spaces are fostering misogyny, anger-driven rhetoric and violent ideologies. hurriyetdailynews.com
• [New] Turkey will protect the existence of the TRNC, will not tie its legitimate interests in the Eastern Mediterranean to the approval of others, and will not allow the legal balance in the Aegean to be eroded. Daily Sabah
• [New] The Bosphorus Re cat bond brings investors an opportunity to diversify their portfolios in the form of Turkish earthquake risk. Artemis.bm - The Catastrophe Bond, Insurance Linked Sec
• [New] Further growth in Turkey will see its total having topped 27 GW by then, while South Africa's, Egypt's and Morocco's end-2032 totals are forecast at 10.3GW, 11.9 GW and 6.8 GW respectively. Windpower Monthly
• [New] By 2035, Turkey forecasts that it will have a capacity of 120 GW coming from wind and solar energy. The Maritime Executive

Last updated: 25 May 2026