Erdogan is strengthened as Turkey's democracy weakens

Significance

The authorities are following up the swift defeat of the amateurish attempt to seize power by a group of junior officers on July 15-16. The would-be coup was violent: at least 290 died, and there were ugly clashes nationwide before the uprising collapsed in the face of rejection by the civilian population and televised appeals by most of the senior military.

Impacts

• The balance of power in Turkey has shifted radically in Erdogan's favour, which may deter Western investors.
• Turkey's alignment with Saudi Arabia will grow more explicit.
• Mass trials and possibly even executions will alienate it further from international opinion.