Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.

ALIYEV DOUBLES DOWN AS ANKARA REMAINS OVERLY CONCILIATORY
Deciphering Turkish Diplomacy Oct 30, 2026

ALIYEV DOUBLES DOWN AS ANKARA REMAINS OVERLY CONCILIATORY

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, declined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s invitation to attend the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, scheduled for the day after Turkey’s Republic Day, marking one of the biggest crises in the two countries' close relationship. Despite Ankara’s visible steps to defuse the recent tension, his refusal to come on a date carrying symbolic importance for Turkey attests to the changing dynamics in the relationship since the military victory over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020.

Barçın Yinanç 5 min
AUSTRALIA JOINS CLIMATE DISINFORMATION PACT AS TURKEY'S STANCE AWAITED AHEAD OF COP31
Foreign Affairs Jul 25, 2026

AUSTRALIA JOINS CLIMATE DISINFORMATION PACT AS TURKEY'S STANCE AWAITED AHEAD OF COP31

Australia has joined the Global Initiative on Information Integrity on Climate Change (GIIICC), a landmark effort to combat climate disinformation now backed by 27 countries and the European Union, while Turkey — which will host the COP31 climate summit in November — has yet to declare its position. Turkey in Depth has learned that Turkey is expected to appoint Professor Mehmet Emin Birpınar as spokesperson for COP31.

Editorial Staff 2 min
A HISTORY YOU CAN HUM
The Third Desk Jun 25, 2026

A HISTORY YOU CAN HUM

Some countries remember politics through monuments, trials, flags and anniversaries. Turkey, more emotional and dramatic, rather like its world-famous TV series, also remembers it through songs.

Can Öztaş 4 min
FIDAN’S ECONOMIC PUSH IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
Foreign Affairs Jun 5, 2026

FIDAN’S ECONOMIC PUSH IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, known for his intensive diplomacy and negotiation efforts on Middle East cases, particularly Syria, has embarked for the first time since taking office on a lengthy Asia-Pacific tour, visiting four countries in succession.

Editorial Team 2 min
TURKEY EASES ARMENIA TRADE EMBARGO AS PASHINYAN SEEKS MANDATE FOR REGIONAL PEACE PUSH
Foreign Affairs May 29, 2026

TURKEY EASES ARMENIA TRADE EMBARGO AS PASHINYAN SEEKS MANDATE FOR REGIONAL PEACE PUSH

One of the most concrete steps yet in the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia—launched in 2021—has been taken with a move toward direct trade between the two countries. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is heading into a June 7 election widely seen as a vote of confidence on his parallel agendas of steering the country toward the West while pursuing peace with Azerbaijan and normalization with Turkey. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli announced on X on May 13 that bureaucratic preparations for the launch of direct trade between Turkey and Armenia had been completed as of May 11.

Editorial Team
ANKARA WANTS NATO TO LOOK SOUTH AS MUCH AS NORTH
Foreign Affairs May 15, 2026

ANKARA WANTS NATO TO LOOK SOUTH AS MUCH AS NORTH

Turkey wants NATO to address threats from all directions — including from Middle Eastern countries — during the Ankara Summit on July 7-8. 'We are reminded that what happens in the south does not stay in the south,' said Ambassador Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, director general for International Security Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, speaking at the 18th Istanbul Security Conference organized by Başkent University and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.

Editorial Team
NEPOTISM, OR HOW TO DISMANTLE A FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Third Desk Apr 17, 2026

NEPOTISM, OR HOW TO DISMANTLE A FOREIGN MINISTRY

Each time political appointments in diplomacy are criticised in Turkey, the same defence appears with the reliability of a reflex: “Other countries do it too”. Perhaps they do. But mediocrity does not become wisdom once imported.

Editorial Team
A SIGNATURE AND A DELAY IN THE EUROFIGHTER PROJECT
Security and Defense Mar 26, 2026

A SIGNATURE AND A DELAY IN THE EUROFIGHTER PROJECT

Following the signing of an agreement with the U.K. in Oct. 2025 to procure 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, the defense ministers of the two countries signed a contract for technical and logistical support regarding the maintenance and operation of these aircraft.

Editorial Team
F-16S AND AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS TO NORTHERN CYPRUS
Security and Defense Mar 12, 2026

F-16S AND AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS TO NORTHERN CYPRUS

In response to the reinforcement of defense in Southern Cyprus by Greece and some European countries due to the Iran conflict, Turkey deployed F-16 fighter jets and additional air defense systems to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the first time in 28 years.

Editorial Team
‘MADE IN EUROPE’ PROPOSAL: BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS FOR TURKEY
Economy and Finance Jan 22, 2026

‘MADE IN EUROPE’ PROPOSAL: BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS FOR TURKEY

The EU’s draft “Made in Europe” proposal to support European producers of green technology excludes Turkey from “Europe” but allows the European Commission to determine which non-EU countries can be included in the scheme on a sectoral basis. The Turkish business community is alarmed at the new rules aimed at strengthening European manufacturing against rising competition from China and the U.S., Turkey in Depth learned. Fearing this would create a new hurdle in Turkey’s trade with the EU, business leaders have been lobbying in Brussels, urging officials to consider Turkey as part of Europe. Turkey in Depth has learned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent a letter to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen regarding the decision.

Editorial Team