“How Populism Works in Erdogan’s Turkey” with Dr. Senem Aslan

This talk explores how Erdoğan’s increasing reliance on populist discourse and style throughout his tenure contributed to the rise of an authoritarian regime sustained by popular support. It highlights how the performative and emotional dimensions of these strategies can help autocratic leaders garner support and reinforce their perceived authenticity, particularly when their legitimacy is under threat.

Senem Aslan is professor of Politics at Bates College. She is the author of Nation-Building in Turkey and Morocco: Governing Kurdish and Berber Dissent published by Cambridge University Press in 2015. She recently completed a book manuscript on populism and the politics of emotions in Turkey.