In Part 2 of our latest episode in the special series produced in partnership with the Journal of Democracy, Berk Esen turns to the other side of the equation: how Turkey’s opposition is pushing back against an increasingly hegemonic regime. This episode builds on Part 1, where we explored the regime’s authoritarian escalation through the courts, media, and economic coercion.
Drawing on his co-authored piece with Şebnem Gümüşçü, “How to Fight Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn” (Journal of Democracy, July 2025, Vol. 36, No. 3), Esen analyzes President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent attempts to court Kurdish voters through cross-party alliances and a renewed peace process. He discusses the main opposition party’s efforts to sustain mass mobilization after its presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest, while navigating internal and strategic risks amid a judicial effort to reshape its leadership. Esen also reflects on what distinguishes Turkey from other authoritarian cases such as Venezuela, the resources and constraints shaping democratic resistance, and the key factors likely to determine the country’s prospects for democratic renewal.
The conversation was hosted by Ece Özbey. Lilit Hakobyan edited the audio file.
