Prof. Cuthell give a lecture entitled, "Why Turkey Matters: The re-emergence of an Historical Power" at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday February 24th at 7pm. During the past century the world has witnessed the collapse of the late Ottoman Empire and the emergence of numerous states from the ashes of empire. The Empire's core emerged as the modern Turkish nation but one that had few resources and virtually no allies in the inter-war period. Despite this, Turkey was able to maintain its independence and regain its balance. Today, we observe an increasingly confident and prosperous nation that indicates a desire to play an active and central role throughout the region. This lecture will examine the benefits as well as come of possible pitfalls that might result.