TendarSep 5, 2023

Thread:

The relationship between President Erdogan and Putin is certainly one of the most intriguing one in our times. Rarely, you have seen two leaders of countries intertwined on so many levels, offering even personal gratitude to each other and yet deeply loathe each other. It is a textbook relationship of real politics and a shining example how political calculus and benefits can outweigh personal desires, on both sides. (1/5)

Show threadTendarSep 5, 2023
And then at the same time on the other side, Russia helps to build a Turkish nuclear power plant and gas pipelines and Turkey offers easy entry to Turkey for Russian citizens (though many Turkish citizens loathe the Russian visitors, as well, but that's a different story) and offers alternatives to supplies of goods to Russia. (2/5)
Show threadTendarSep 5, 2023
It is hilarious and fascinating as well. No different is the latest episode between two men. I was suspicious when President Erdogan visited Putin in Sotchi and then the results of that meeting confirmed my suspicion. Putin humiliated President Erdogan by not agreeing to the grain deal and even further Russia's ridiculous demands. Even though President Erdogan was warm in his words when leaving Russia, it was quite clear that he got played by Putin. (3/5)
Show threadTendarSep 5, 2023
No Turkish leader would have agreed to this meeting with that outcome. It was likely Putin's retaliation for President Erdogan's public statements in reference to Ukraine, but if you ask me it was a shortsighted step by Putin. He needs President Erdogan more than the other way round. (4/5)
Show threadTendar

But this is also part of the "game" and I'm breathless of anticipation what President Erdogan will do in return to this public humiliation. "Next round, fight!" (5/5)

#Turkey #Russia

Sep 5, 2023 at 4:39pmWeb
Show threadTobias MerkendorfSep 6, 2023

@Tendar I really recommend Perun's video about Turkish strategy about this.

Turkiye compartmentelysis it's foreign relations.

As seen with russia it might be bff on one topic and your mortal enemy on another. Depending on their interest. Most foreign policy works like that. But Turkiye's position in the world is a wee bit more complicated.

https://youtu.be/s46-rQo3T2c?si=kv0NwBcm9IpR9Tc3

Turkish Strategy & the War in Ukraine - Arms, Economics, Negotiations & Pragmatism

YouTube
Show threadEdizioniLazioSep 10, 2023
@Tendar some leaders like to keep one foot in two shoes and walking like that stumbling is sometimes inevitable
But since the "practical" decisions here r for his advantage not his country I wouldnt call that realpolitik, that is just the bazaar schemer leader of centuries ago, stuff that kept one in a rickety chair and their country poor until the whole castle of cards collapsed badly... hopefully there is some actual move from our side to take advantage of his attitude