Illusions versus reality: Turkey’s approach to the Middle East and North Africa

Turkey’s once so promising standing in the Middle East and North Africa lied in ruins. This is because the Turkish government – driven by ideology rather than pragmatism – has squandered its regional geopolitical capital since the 2011 Arab uprisings. Ankara lost its gamble on Islamists holding power in transitioning Arab countries and discredited its support for democratisation, which, amongst other things, has dramatically reduced Turkish influence across the region. As a result, regardless of the government’s rhetoric, Turkey will likely reposition itself in the coming years along more traditional lines, closer to its ally the United States while mending relations with key regional powers.