BREAKING: Erdogan Wins Turkish Elections

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's combative and outspoken populist leader, has won elections again. While there were minor concerns with overall election integrity, the people of Turkey are known for their adherence to election law and standards. However, the closure of Twitter accounts and similarly questionable media blackouts, however unsubstantiated, could have swayed the vote toward challengers and away from Erdogan. But the more significant issues with his reelection aren't election based. Rather, they revolve around regional security.

During his twenty-year rule, various types of soft corruption flourished, as seen in the wake of the recent earthquakes in Antakya. Questions abound about ignored building standards and officials who have gone missing or refuse comment. But those opposed to Erdogan's absolute rule have grown in number and power over the years. Most recently, because of concerns with the economic stability of Turkey.

Erdogan has appointed arguably unqualified relatives and yes men to positions of economic importance. As a result, the Lira has steadily declined against regional and global currencies. The Lira's slide has gotten so bad that jokes and memes are flooding the internet about whom Erdogan will appoint next and what the resultant fallout will be concerning the national currency.

However, Erdogan has also maintained security in the region. Despite the occasional bump in relations with NATO powers, Turkey has upheld most, if not all, of their security guarantees. Of note is the prevalence of their Bayraktar drones in Ukraine, which have proven themselves time and time again. But concerns about the economic stability of Turkey cannot be overstated relative to the greater Caucasus region.

For now, it remains to be seen how the election will play out locally and regionally and whether the threat level of these new developments will need to be revisited.