What dangers await Turkey in the new Trump era, where economic wars are expected to deepen?

Republican candidate Donald Trump, known for his conservative ideas, won the elections and was elected as the 45th President of the United States. During Trump's term, which will begin in January, the world is expected to face a deep economic war. Trump's relations with Turkey are of great importance for both Ankara and the region. The new challenges Turkey may face in light of Trump's campaign promises and previous term practices were discussed in the program hosted by Abdurrahman Yazıcı.

"CHINA AND THE EU ARE CONCERNED DUE TO TRUMP"

Yazıcı asked his guest, former leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Cem Toker, what kind of economic picture the world is generally expecting in the new term. Cem Toker stated, "The European Union and China are concerned about the economic policies that Trump will implement. Trump threatens to impose tariffs of up to 60% on products imported from China, and 10-20% on those from Europe. He already mentioned this before the elections. Trump promises to cut taxes in the U.S. Americans see China not only as an economic threat but also as a military and strategic threat. I predict that they will take action that will strike a blow to China's economy," he expressed.

"A COLD WAR IS HAPPENING BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA"

Cem Toker emphasized that the sanctions imposed against China are not only Trump's decision but also a decision of the entire American political landscape and state administration since the 1980s. He pointed out that there are many conflicts between Washington and Beijing in various parts of the world, stating, "Americans see China as a global threat not only economically but also militarily. A cold war is taking place between China and the U.S. in Africa," he said.

"HAVING THE LEGISLATION COMPLETELY IN THE HANDS OF REPUBLICANS IS DANGEROUS"

Host Abdurrahman Yazıcı asked his guest what the dimensions of a potential economic clash between the U.S. and Europe would be in the new term. Cem Toker responded to this question, saying, "The Germans will be most affected by this. Volkswagen has started closing factories for the first time in its history. This is not only due to the tariff wars with the U.S. but also because of the competition brought by China to the automotive sector. The fact that both chambers of legislation are won by Republicans is more dangerous than Trump's election," he replied.

"I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE A DECISION IN FAVOR OF TURKEY FROM WASHINGTON"

In response to the question of how Turkey would be affected by potential tensions between the U.S. and Europe, Toker said, "If we consider Turkey's image in the American Congress and public opinion as a whole, I find it very difficult to see a decision in favor of Turkey from Washington. CAATSA sanctions are still being applied to Turkey. Turkey's image in Washington is similar to Armenia's image in Ankara. Turkey has lost various lobbies, especially the Jewish lobby that supports it in the U.S. I predict that Trump will not be able to easily do everything he wants. I don't think we are facing easy days, not only in trade matters but also in other issues," he replied.

WILL THE U.S. IMPOSE NEW SANCTIONS ON TURKEY?

Recalling that Trump imposed sanctions on Turkey in the previous term, Cem Toker continued: "Both Erdoğan and Trump are pragmatic leaders. Turkish-American relations cannot be worse than during Biden's term. I am more curious about Trump's perspective on Syria and the YPG-PYD than on economic relations. Will the U.S. make its own decision here, or will it be influenced by the Jewish lobby? Looking at the cabinet he formed, almost all of them are staunch supporters of Israel."