Description

Two eminent scholars with recent experience in Turkey will address the challenges facing this major regional power and NATO ally – and what the future may hold for Turkey.

Turkey, a country with a population almost the same as Germany, and of immense international importance, is not well understood in Canada.

Turkey today faces many pressing domestic and foreign policy challenges. Its EU aspirations are at a virtual standstill. The relationship between Ankara and Washington is at a low point. The pressures of its internal war with the Kurdish PKK, and of supporting millions of Syrian refugees, are enormous. While President Erdogan enjoys considerable popularity and support in Turkey, his strong-armed approach to suppressing internal dissent, especially after the abortive 2016 coup attempt, has raised many questions within Turkey and among its friends and allies. The way ahead for Turkey is far from clear.

Dr. Chris Kilford and Dr. Can Mutlu will discuss these and other important issues during what promises to be a fascinating and informative evening

Speakers’ Biography

Chris R. Kilford is an External Fellow at the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy. During his 36-year military career in the Canadian Army, Dr. Chris Kilford served throughout Canada, Germany, Afghanistan and Turkey in various command, instructional and staff roles. He is President of the Victoria Branch of the Canadian International Council and sits on the Board of Directors.

Can Mutlu is Assistant Professor, Department of Politics, Acadia University. He earned a Ph.d at the University of Ottawa.

Glenn Davidson served as Canadian Ambassador to Syria from September 2008 to March 2012. He was also Ambassador to Afghanistan from May 2012 to July 2013

Registration

Free registration via EventBrite

Contact Person: Valerie Bachynsky – vbachynsky@thecic.orgg – (902) 495-8489