William Gourlay
Biography
Publications
William Gourlay teaches international relations and Middle Eastern politics at Monash University. He is the author of The Kurds in Erdogan’s Turkey.
![The ripple effects of NATO expansion](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-03/NATO%20flags%20comp.jpg?itok=2yi-MAPg)
The ripple effects of NATO expansion
Türkiye’s approval of Sweden’s entry into the treaty alliance has led to improved US–Turkish relations.
![The redemption of Bashar al-Assad?](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-12/GettyImages-1677356882.jpg?itok=LjR2q7-Z)
The redemption of Bashar al-Assad?
Syria has been readmitted to the Arab League but faces ongoing challenges and a population bedevilled by conflict.
![Elections in Türkiye may herald a new foreign policy outlook](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-05/GettyImages-1253160735.jpg?itok=t-8-WASZ)
Elections in Türkiye may herald a new foreign policy outlook
After 20 years as a dominating political force Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing his biggest fight in the upcoming polls.
![The grim toll of Türkiye’s earthquake will also shift regional politics](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-02/GettyImages-1246949655.jpg?itok=W76od4yb)
The grim toll of Türkiye’s earthquake will also shift regional politics
The international outpouring of support has gone beyond friends but to unexpected quarters, too.
![Erdoǧan loses his way](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2021-12/GettyImages-1228640936.jpg?itok=GO4OWa_8)
Erdoǧan loses his way
As Turkey’s economy falters, its strongman president is falling in the polls – the implications may be far reaching.
![Erdoǧan loses his way](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1228640936.jpg?itok=wTkTwhBf)
Erdoǧan loses his way
As Turkey’s economy falters, its strongman president is falling in the polls – the implications may be far reaching.
![Telephone diplomacy: Joe Biden signals a new approach towards Turkey](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1176346507.jpg?itok=gxsH9xaR)
Telephone diplomacy: Joe Biden signals a new approach towards Turkey
In acknowledging the Armenian genocide, the US president has created waves with a long-standing ally.
![Iran’s declining regional influence](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1228683596.jpg?itok=_WMBOrFY)
Iran’s declining regional influence
Tehran capitalised on US mistakes in the Middle East, but its proxy wars and consistently aggressive façade have a cost.