Turkey’s spat with the Netherlands: The liberal democratic world is worse off
Bessma Momani
Special to The Globe and Mail
From Turkey’s autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Netherlands’ Islamophobic candidate Geert Wilders, leaders have found countless ways to capitalize on the populist and nationalist surges overtaking their countries. Less than a year ago, these men had difficulty convincing their populations of their platforms. Now these two countries, who 400 years ago exchanged tulips in the spirit of public diplomacy, have emboldened illiberal bases with this week’s diplomatic row.
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