Autocracy is winning around the world. And I can't see the west doing anything about it. It's as if the so-called Western Empire no longer cares about being able to deal the cards. And while some anarchists might cheer at this, when they realise what will substitute this Pax Americana, they will ask themselves "What the hell has happened to the world?".
Well, I've got an answer to that.
One that I've been preaching for the last few years or so. People in the West got so used to being able to deal cards that they now take it for granted. The "Western Empire" only lasted as long as it did with its democratic ideas because it was backed by the US, united by the fear of Soviet Union. After USSR fell, this pressure was gone. European countries are too weak and indecisive to stand on their own, and too bogged down in arguments and nationalism to stand together. These are though times and people aren't smart enough to recognize harsh measures that might be needed (they never were, to be fair), while democratic politicians are unwilling to take those measures, because it'd decrease their chance at staying in power. Autocratic regimes are in a position of advantage in such cases, which is really showing now (why do you think I keep saying that a return to monarchy would be great?). And this will only get worse from here.
The way I see it, the Western countries are trying to lead the world with all carrot and no stick, while simultaneously being increasingly short on vegetables in general.
If European countries are to remain relevant, they needs to stop treating
everything with kid gloves and realize that sometimes, war might be preferable to what kind of peace you're going to get if you don't fight. Sadly, it might have been too long since Europeans had to fight for their values, their freedom and countries. I won't be the slightest bit surprised if they end up giving them up without much of a fight. The worst thing is, Democracy is such a buzzword now that even if someone does fight back and win, they'll put up a democratic system again and we'll be back to the square one.
Although, to be fair, I don't really see what the european powers *can* do that Erdogan's regime will not take as an excuse to escalate the situation further. Aside from that appalling refugee deal (Which has done nothing to stop the rising death toll in the mediterenean crossings) Turkey is already going further and further away from EU acceptance.
By now? Certainly not much, short of invading, occupying the country (which would be as likely as not to backfire anyway, but I don't know what's worse, really) and shooting Erdogan and his goons in the back of the head. I don't know if something could have been done before, but it's likely that it could.