An online meeting was held by ATA Platform on 27 December 2020, which included general assessments for the 2020. At the meeting, following issues are discussed in detail.
* The most important development of 2020 is undoubtedly Covid-19, with the virus, problems have arisen in the global supply chain, neo-liberalism lost in this process, social state and statism came to the fore, Asian states managed the virus epidemic very well compared to the West,
* In 2020 a multipolar world order has been consolidated, this trend is expected to continue also in 2021. This could create opportunities, if considered well, for countries such as Turkey,
* Trump has already fulfilled his mission by destructing the unipolar world order and Biden is unlikely to make a big change in this sense, the competition with China will continue but the US, under Biden and unlike Trump, will try to protect its interests globally by taking the EU more on its side in 2021,
* One of the most important events of 2020 is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement signed in the Asia-Pacific region that would have tremendous effects on regionalization process in the world,
* The sharp contraction in the global transportation sector is remarkable, and the effective use of the North Sea Route will start a new era in international trade,
* In 2021, within the scope of ‘New Green Deal ‘discussions, renewable energy capacity will increase and this will be used as a tool for employment and growth for economies in post-Covid period.
* During the Covid-19 process benefits of social/public approach has been observed, that is a lesson for Turkey as well, which has lost its social state under aggressive privatisations.
* Turkey’s needs to continue its rightful struggle in her maritime borders that began in 2020 but the backlash by the end of the year in the Eastern Mediterranean is also observed. On the other hand, the policy of two-state solution in Cyprus should be promoted.
* In Libya, where an alliance consisting of the regional countries against Turkey, conflict is likely to resume. Turkey should start reconciliation process with Syria in order to solve migration problem.
* After the end of the Brexit process, Turkey should reconsider its Customs Union with European Union in which Ankara will never become a full member.
* The fight against terrorism should continue, especially policies like a new initiative or openning will harm the protection of national integrity,
* Turkey’s economic problems is too large to be resolved only with the increase in interest rates and the economic downturn will continue in 2021,
* Due to the economic problems, persuasion of a consistent foreign policy is difficult for the government; the 2020 ha already showed this. More importantly, Ankara is sandwiched between its geopolitical interests and the sanctions to be implemented by the EU and the US. For this reason, the 2021 will be the critical decision-year for Turkey’s orientation.
