Wed Jun 11 03:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Under President Erdogan, Turkey has significantly expanded its influence in West Asia and the Caucasus, pursuing an Islamist-leaning foreign policy while maintaining its NATO alliance. This involves supporting Islamist groups in Syria and Libya, backing Azerbaijan against Armenia, and pursuing closer ties with Muslim-majority nations. Erdogan balances pragmatism with his Islamist ideology, using Turkey’s strategic location and military strength to project power. However, Turkey faces economic challenges, political instability, and internal repression. While its foreign policy has achieved short-term tactical gains, the long-term strategic benefits remain uncertain. The country risks becoming an authoritarian Islamist regime with a vulnerable economy.

**News Article:**

**Turkey’s Islamist-Leaning Foreign Policy Reshapes Regional Influence, but Challenges Loom**

**Ankara, June 11, 2025** – Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has dramatically increased its influence across West Asia and the Caucasus, pursuing an ambitious foreign policy that blends Islamist ideology with pragmatic considerations, according to a report by The Hindu.

Once a staunch Cold War ally of the West, Turkey has strategically positioned itself as a regional power, building stronger ties with Muslim-majority countries while maintaining its membership in NATO. This approach has seen Turkey actively support Islamist groups in Syria and Libya, most recently the rise of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, expand its military presence in Qatar, and back Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia.

Erdogan’s foreign policy shift began in the early 2010s, drawing inspiration from the Ottoman-era “Ittihad-i Islam” (Unity of Islam) doctrine. He has sought to leverage the rise of Islamist movements across the region to expand Ankara’s influence.

However, Turkey’s assertive foreign policy is not without its challenges. The country’s economy is struggling with hyperinflation and currency depreciation, leading to social unrest and political instability. Erdogan, who has consolidated power through constitutional changes, faces accusations of suppressing political opponents and independent media.

“While Erdogan’s bets have paid tactical results as of now, it is to be seen how Türkiye is going to build on these gains for long-term strategic dividends.” wrote The Hindu in the report. While the regime change in Syria is a huge advantage for Ankara, but Syria is far from being stable. So is Libya, where violence resurfaces frequently.

Furthermore, Turkey’s delicate balancing act between its Western alliances and its relationships with rivals like Russia poses a significant challenge. While supporting Ukraine, Turkey has also refused to sanction Russia and has purchased its S-400 missile defense system, straining relations with Washington.

Analysts warn that Turkey risks transforming into an authoritarian Islamist regime grappling with a weak economy and internal political strife, jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of its regional ambitions.

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