For some time, Turkey has suffered from a declining economy, with rising unemployment and inflation rates. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the country has faced a compounded public health and economic crisis. At the same time, Turkey has also pursued an increasingly assertive foreign policy in recent months, retaining its presence in Syria, expanding its involvement in Libya and engaging in new disputes over territorial claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.
At this time of political and economic upheaval, the International Republican Institute (IRI) has conducted focus group research to provide qualitative analysis on the public opinion trends emerging in the country. The report explores public sentiment on Turkey’s outlook and democratic state, its COVID-19 management, the economy and the strength of democracy in times of crisis. The research also examines citizens’ perceptions of Turkey’s foreign policy role and other key foreign powers.
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