Bulent Aliriza

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Bulent Aliriza

Bulent Aliriza had been the founding director of the Turkey Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, since 1994. He has lectured widely in the United States, Europe, and Turkey and is a frequent media commentator on Turkish foreign policy and domestic politics. Prior to joining CSIS, Aliriza was a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He had previously served as a Turkish Cypriot diplomat in New York and Washington. He has a B.Sc. in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a doctorate in diplomatic history from the University of Oxford.

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The Truth of the Matter

Erdogan Wins, U.S.’s “Difficult Ally”

CSIS’s Bulent Aliriza joins the podcast to discuss what Turkish President Erdogan’s win means for the United States who has called Turkey a “difficult ally.”

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Bulent Aliriza — May 31, 2023

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

End of Line for Erdogan?

CSIS’s Bulent Aliriza joins the program to discuss Turkey’s upcoming elections and whether President Erdogan will leave office if defeated.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Bulent Aliriza — May 11, 2023

CSIS the truth of the matter

Idlib Test for Erdogan-Putin Relationship

The killing of 33 Turkish soldiers by Assad’s forces in Idlib on February 27 has not only escalated the conflict between Ankara and Damascus but also tensions between Ankara and Moscow. CSIS’s Turkey Project examines the future of Erdogan and Putin’s relationship.

Commentary by Bulent Aliriza — February 28, 2020

The Truth of the Matter

Libya Conflict

In this episode, Bob and Andrew invite Bulent Aliriza, director of the CSIS Turkey Project, to unpack the worsening conflict in Libya.

Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer, H. Andrew Schwartz, and Bulent Aliriza — February 10, 2020

CSIS the truth of the matter

Erdogan's Libyan Gambit

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has inserted Turkey into the escalating Libyan civil war on the side of the embattled government in Tripoli. CSIS’s Turkey Project examines his motives and prospects of success in a new commentary.

Commentary by Bulent Aliriza and Zeynep Yekeler — January 24, 2020

Congress Rebukes Erdogan, Defies Trump

CSIS’s Bulent Aliriza argues that by adopting two important resolutions against Turkey on October 29, Congress has inserted itself into the U.S.-Turkey relationship, making it more difficult for Erdogan and Trump to maintain it through their friendship.

Critical Questions by Bulent Aliriza — October 30, 2019

The Truth of the Matter

U.S. Troop Pullout of Syria

Bob and Andrew talk with Bulent Aliriza about the escalating situation along the Syrian border with Turkey after President Trump ordered U.S. troops out of the region.

Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer, H. Andrew Schwartz, and Bulent Aliriza — October 8, 2019

CSIS the truth of the matter

U.S.-Turkey Relations: Summer Doldrums, Autumn Storms?

Although the Trump-Erdogan friendship remains intact, the expected revival of calls for sanctions on Turkey for acquiring a Russian missile system when Congress returns next month will challenge U.S.-Turkish relations. CSIS’s Bulent Aliriza examines the path forward.

Commentary by Bulent Aliriza — August 29, 2019