In June 2020, when the Washington-based Turkish analyst, Soner Cagaptay, listed ‘Erdogan’s 10 steps to power’, the list seemed distinctly familiar to many in the US: ‘Attack “nefarious elites”; Deliver prosperity; “Make Turkey Great Again”; Create fake news; Say opposition’s lying; Demonize press & courts; Frame opponents as terrorists; Curb their freedoms; Undermine and change the constitution.’24 Step 10 was an emoji of a crown.
