Building in Africa: Turkey’s “Third Way” in China’s Shadow | Middle East Institute

Government patronage has been a crucial factor in aiding the internationalization of Turkish construction service corporations.[23] Construction firms, especially those aligned closely with the AK Party, have been among the main beneficiaries of easy access to credit in the international market, tax incentives and exemptions, and relaxed public procurement practices.[24] Erdoğan has personally presided over the building and functioning of this patronage system, actively directing investment in the housing, energy, and infrastructure sectors across Turkey. The key role that the state has played — with Erdoğan at the helm — in favoring the construction sector by rewarding companies at home has been complemented by efforts to promote overseas construction within the context of Turkey’s assertive and expansive foreign policy.

Honeymoon could soon be over for Erdogan’s Turkey in Africa | Africa Times

In the nearly ten years since Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his famous visit to Mogadishu in August 2011, Turkey has rapidly become one of Somalia’s most important (and generous) international benefactors. After Erdogan became the first head of state from outside of Africa to visit Somalia since the country’s disastrous civil war erupted in 1991, …

Honeymoon could soon be over for Erdogan’s Turkey in Africa | Africa Times Read More »

Africa: Turkey’s Erdogan Serenades Africa As ‘Alternative Partner’ to Post-Colonial Players – allAfrica.com

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s four-day visit to Africa this week has put Ankara’s policy on the continent under the spotlight again, as Turkey positions itself as an alternative ally for African countries. The visit is part of a bid by Turkey to break the economic hegemony of former colonial powers such as France, and …

Africa: Turkey’s Erdogan Serenades Africa As ‘Alternative Partner’ to Post-Colonial Players – allAfrica.com Read More »

Turkey piles up in rivals as Erdoğan’s Foreign Ministry turns into ‘Condemnation Ministry’ – Ahval

On Friday, credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded Turkey’s debt rating to ‘B2’ – lower than in 2002 when Erdoğan’s party came into power – citing rising geopolitical risks, among other concerns.  Turkey’s relationship with the West has become increasingly deadlocked in the past few years and especially in the past few weeks. Lately, the relationship …

Turkey piles up in rivals as Erdoğan’s Foreign Ministry turns into ‘Condemnation Ministry’ – Ahval Read More »