How much does Erdogan’s 'coercive diplomacy' benefit Turkey?
If mishandled, Turkey’s threats of military action could trigger an uncontrolled escalation, leaving Ankara facing difficult choices.
![1227700892 TOPSHOT - Turkish troops parade in the northern part of Nicosia, the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on July 20, 2020, to mark the 46th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974. - The republic was created after Turkey invaded northern Cyprus in 1974 following a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the east Mediterranean island with Greece. Cyprus has remained divided since. (Photo by Birol BEBEK / AFP) (Photo by BIROL BEBEK/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2020/08/GettyImages-1227700892.jpg/GettyImages-1227700892.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=cNlutwgx)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan favors hard talk in his international dealing. His approach is usually laced with insults and military threats. He abhors compromise and looks on traditional diplomacy with disdain.
Under his rule, Turkey has become a disruptive international player that has few friends or allies of any significance left. It has left Ankara with more enemies and detractors than at any time since the founding of the republic nearly a century ago.