Turkey's Political Leaders: Authoritarian Tendencies in a Democratic State

This book investigates how leaders in Turkey's political sphere have hindered democratic consolidation, revealing a pattern of authoritarianism and undemocratic behavior. It explores the role of political leaders in the broader political context and offers insights into the forces that have shaped political developments in the country.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This longitudinal study explores how the conduct of political leaders in Turkey has hindered democratic consolidation. It examines the impact of political leaders on democracy and reveals a pattern of authoritarianism and undemocratic behavior that has contributed to Turkey's inability to consolidate democracy in its multi-party history. The study incorporates a comprehensive analysis of both intra-party rule and leadership within the broader political context to provide a fuller understanding of the forces that have shaped political developments in the country.

To build an empirically rich documentation of Turkey's multi-party history, the study utilizes a combination of interviews and Turkish and English sources. The findings are presented in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to scholars and researchers interested in democracy and democratization.

One of the key findings of the study is that the conduct of political leaders has been central to the shortcomings of Turkey's democratic system. The most prominent political leaders, from the birth of the Republic until today, have displayed a desire to sustain their rule through authoritarian and undemocratic measures. This has resulted in weak or non-existent efforts to improve, strengthen, and respect democratic institutions and practices across the multi-party era.

The chapters in the book identify how the values, beliefs, and practices of these leaders, underpinned by authoritarianism, have contributed to the tenuous existence of democracy in Turkey. The study shows that while democracy has endured periods of stability, it has also oscillated between simply enduring and failure during the periods when these leaders occupied the seats of political power.

The book offers valuable lessons and insights into the role of political leaders in the survival or failure of democracy. It highlights the importance of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the respect for human rights in sustaining democratic governance. It also emphasizes the need for political leaders to prioritize the interests of their citizens and to ensure that democratic processes are transparent, accountable, and inclusive.

In conclusion, this longitudinal study provides a comprehensive analysis of the conduct of political leaders in Turkey and their impact on democratic consolidation. It sheds light on the patterns of authoritarianism and undemocratic behavior that have hindered the country's progress toward a more democratic and inclusive society. The book offers valuable lessons and insights into the role of political leaders in the survival or failure of democracy and provides a basis for further research and policy discussions.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399500081