Relations Between Turkey and Sweden Deteriorate
Tensions between Turkey and Sweden continue to escalate with no end in sight. The diplomatic dispute intensified last year when Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey insists that for Sweden to become a NATO member it must unequivocally denounce what Ankara views as terrorists, such as Kurdish militants. The Turkish government is upset with Sweden for its support of the Kurds and for a weapons embargo the Scandinavian country placed on Turkey for its role in attacking Kurdish militias in neighboring Syria.
What was the catalyst for Sweden and Finland to apply for NATO membership?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Download: CQP_Lecture_Spark_PPT_Relations Between Turkey and Sweden Deteriorate
Videos
News Articles
Erdogan tells Sweden not to expect Nato bid support
BBC
January 24, 2023
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64380066
Sweden cannot expect Turkey’s support for Nato membership, Erdoğan warns
THE GUARDIAN
January 24, 2023
Erdogan to Sweden: Don’t expect Turkish support for NATO bid after protest
JERUSALEM POST
January 24, 2023
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-729426
Right-wing Quran burning in Sweden enrages Turkey and throws a new wrench in Nordics’ NATO bid
CNBC
January 24, 2023
Finland may need to join NATO without Sweden, foreign minister says
POLITICO
January 24, 2023
https://www.politico.eu/article/finland-join-nato-sweden-pekka-haavisto-turkey-ukraine-ankara/
Sweden’s Nato application imperilled after Koran burnt outside Turkish embassy
FINANCIAL TIMES
January 22, 2023
https://www.ft.com/content/638a8c10-a184-47b7-9f60-e54f1623879f
Over 92% say no to Türkiye approving Sweden’s NATO bid: Twitter survey
Anadolu Agency
January 24, 2023
Erdogan warns Sweden on NATO bid after Quran burning protest
ALJAZEERA
January 23, 2023
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/23/erdogan-to-sweden-dont-expect-turkish-support-for-nato-bid
Assessment
Writing: Why does Turkey oppose Sweden joining NATO?
Debate: Is it justifiable to burn a religious text for political purposes?
Poll: Should Sweden be allowed to join NATO?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications of Turkey blocking Sweden’s bid to join NATO?
News Quiz
True/False
Most Turks do not want Sweden to join NATO. (T/F)
Half the members of NATO oppose Sweden’s bid for membership. (T/F)
President Erdogan faces a tough reelection later this year. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
Why did Sweden place a weapons embargo on Turkey?
- Turkey attacked Kurdish militias in Syria.
- Turkey invaded several Scandinavian countries.
- Turkey provided nuclear weapons to Russia.
- Turkey blocked Sweden from joining NATO.
Which of the following countries are trying to join NATO?
- Norway and Denmark.
- Sweden and Finland.
- Germany and France.
- Spain and Portugal.
All the following have damaged relations between Turkey and Sweden EXCEPT.
- Kurds in Sweden hung an effigy of Turkish President Erdogan.
- A right-wing activist in Sweden burned the Quran.
- Sweden labeling Turkey a failed state.
- Sweden’s support for the Kurds.
