Biden Condemns Erdoğan’s Authoritarianism and Demands Change

## Introduction

In a recent statement issued by the White House, President Joe Biden expressed his support for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s commitment to advancing Sweden’s NATO accession process. This development comes after Türkiye, Sweden, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reached an agreement on the swift ratification of the Accession Protocol for Sweden by Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly. President Biden‘s willingness to collaborate with President Erdoğan and Türkiye on defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area signals a significant shift in geopolitics. This article will examine the implications of this statement, the leadership styles of President Biden and President Erdoğan, and provide some editorial and philosophical insights on the matter.

## President Biden‘s Leadership

President Biden‘s statement demonstrates his commitment to working with international partners and strengthening alliances. By welcoming Sweden as the 32nd NATO ally, he affirms his administration’s dedication to upholding the principles of collective defense. This move serves to solidify regional security and maintain stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Furthermore, President Biden‘s acknowledgment of Secretary General Stoltenberg’s leadership highlights the importance of multilateral institutions in addressing global challenges.

## President Erdoğan’s Commitment

President Erdoğan’s commitment to facilitating Sweden’s NATO accession process is noteworthy, as it signals a potential departure from his previous confrontational approach with Western institutions. For years, President Erdoğan has been criticized for his authoritarian tendencies, clamping down on dissent and curtailing journalistic freedoms. It remains to be seen whether this commitment to NATO signifies a genuine shift towards a more democratic and cooperative stance.

## The Philosophy of Change and Authoritarianism

The convergence of international interests and the pursuit of regional security provide a fertile ground for examining the philosophical underpinnings of change and authoritarianism. The question arises: Can leaders with authoritarian tendencies evolve into agents of positive change within the global order? While it is tempting to dismiss any such transformation as mere diplomatic posturing, history has shown that leaders can undergo profound ideological shifts under certain circumstances.

## The Case of President Erdoğan

President Erdoğan’s promise to facilitate Sweden’s NATO accession process raises intriguing questions about his political trajectory. Has he recognized the limitations of an isolationist approach and embraced a more cooperative foreign policy? Or is this a tactical move to strengthen his own influence within NATO and project power in the Euro-Atlantic area? These questions highlight the delicate balance between pragmatism and principles in international relations.

## The Role of International Pressure

The international community has a vital role to play in pressuring and encouraging leaders towards positive change. It is crucial for democratic nations to hold leaders like President Erdoğan accountable for their actions and ensure that promises made are followed through. The Biden administration should wield its diplomatic influence to ensure that the commitment to Sweden’s NATO accession process is implemented transparently and in line with democratic norms.

## Conclusion and Advice

While President Biden‘s statement expressing support for President Erdoğan’s commitment to advancing Sweden’s NATO accession process may seem like a positive development, skepticism is warranted. As observers, we must remain vigilant in scrutinizing political actions for their underlying motivations. The evolution of leaders with authoritarian tendencies requires critical analysis, not naive acceptance.

Moving forward, democratic nations should implement policies that encourage positive change through consistent international pressure. Engagement, transparency, and a commitment to democratic principles should underpin any collaboration with leaders who have shown authoritarian tendencies. By holding leaders accountable for their actions and promoting democratic values, the international community can navigate the delicate dance between change and authoritarianism.