'[A] fascinating book.' -- The New York Review of Books
'[Goenul Tol's] detailed analysis exploring Erdogan's shifting foreign policy strategy in Syria gives us a nuanced understanding of a complex proxy conflict, which has many different international actors, with competing interests and ideologies.' -- Irish Independent
'Provide[s] a concise and clever portrait of Turkiye in the last two decades.' -- Informed Comment
'This astute book masterfully explains how Erdogan's plans to exploit the Syrian war for his own ends have perverted Turkish domestic politics, plunged his country further into authoritarianism, and changed the course of history. A fascinating, instructive and ultimately powerful cautionary tale.' -- Fiona Hill, former Deputy Assistant to the U.S. President, and author of 'There Is Nothing for You Here'
'Superbly narrates the tragic intersection of Syria's civil war and Turkey's ravenously ambitious president. Politicians clung to power in Damascus and Ankara, but Erdogan's War helped shatter Syria and undermined what had been an aspiring Turkish democracy. A sad story, very ably told.' -- David Ignatius, columnist, The Washington Post
'Early in Syria's peaceful uprising, Turkish officials were alarmed by Assad's brutal survival tactics, and perplexed by his turning from Turkey's friendly leader. But Syria and Syrians became props for Erdogan's own political survival. This is a fascinating story, and no one tells it better than Tol.' -- Frederic C. Hof, former U.S. Special Envoy to Syria
'A compelling, richly researched picture of Erdogan as a populist, not an Islamist-a political chameleon with an uncanny sense for power. Tol's clear writing makes sense of Turkey's role in Syria's catastrophic war, its slide into authoritarianism, and where it might be going.' -- Marc Lynch, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, The George Washington University
'A timely and insightful examination of Erdogan's project and its geostrategic implications. Well-written, richly informed and powerfully argued, this is a must-read for anyone interested in Turkey today, or in how strongman politics and great power ambitions are changing countries and the world order.' -- Vali Nasr, Majid Khadduri Professor of Middle East Studies and International Affairs, Johns Hopkins University
'Expertly traces Turkish decisions and actions in the Syria conflict, providing unique context as we consider NATO's role post-Ukraine. Tol's dissection of Turkey under Erdogan's unique leadership will help future generations of military and diplomatic leaders understand this critical, but frequently frustrating, NATO ally.' -- Gen. Joseph L. Votel (Ret.), commander of U.S. Central Command 2016-19
'A compelling narrative that unveils Erdogan's unique chameleon-like qualities through the lens of the Syrian war. By connecting Erdogan's domestic strategy with his controversial foreign policy, Tol provides a treasure trove of knowledge, information and insight for future historians.' -- Cengiz Candar, award-winning journalist and former advisor to President Turgut Ozal
'A sharp and penetrating analysis of Turkey's transformation under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and of foreign policy's role in that process. A very well-written and engaging book that covers everything you need to know to understand today's Turkey.' -- Yasar Yakis, former Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs
