Turkish Politics and 'the People': Mass Mobilisation and Populism

This book explores the concept of "the people" in Turkish politics, examining its uses and constructions from the establishment of the Turkish Republic to the present. It assesses how the history of the republic has shaped the people and how they have informed visualizing society, political culture, and institutional architecture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book is a vital contribution to the study of politics, offering a critical examination of the uses and constructions of "the people" throughout the history of the Turkish Republic, from its establishment to the present. It explores the concept of "the people" as a concept, a political subject, the object of policy, and politics over the past century, and proposes ways of reading its insertion and operationalization. The author assesses how the history of the republic has shaped "the people" and, in turn, how they have informed the visualization of society, the political culture, and institutional architecture of the country. Additionally, the book frames the parameters and repertoires of political action.

The book delves into the complex and multifaceted nature of "the people" as a concept, examining how it has been used and constructed to serve different political purposes. It explores the ways in which "the people" have been represented and imagined, both in official narratives and popular discourse, and how these representations have shaped the political landscape. The author argues that the concept of "the people" is not a static entity but rather a dynamic and fluid construct that is shaped by a range of factors, including historical events, social movements, and political ideologies.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between "the people" and the state. The author argues that the state has often sought to define and control "the people" in order to maintain its power and authority. This has been done through a variety of means, including the creation of official narratives, the promotion of national identity, and the repression of dissent. However, the author also suggests that "the people" have been able to resist and challenge the state's power through a range of political movements and social movements.

Another important theme of the book is the role of political culture in shaping "the people." The author argues that political culture is not just a set of beliefs and values but also a set of practices and institutions that shape how people think and act politically. Political culture includes things like media, education, religion, and social norms, and these factors can have a significant impact on how people perceive and engage with politics. The author explores how political culture has been shaped by the history of the Turkish Republic and how it has informed the ways in which "the people" have been represented and imagined.

The book also examines the ways in which "the people" have been used as an object of policy and politics. The author argues that "the people" have been used to justify a range of policies and interventions, from economic development programs to military interventions. However, the author also suggests that "the people" can be used as a tool for political manipulation and control, and that policymakers need to be aware of the potential risks and unintended consequences of their actions.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of politics, offering a critical examination of the uses and constructions of "the people" throughout the history of the Turkish Republic. It explores the complex and multifaceted nature of "the people" as a concept, the relationship between "the people" and the state, the role of political culture in shaping "the people," and the ways in which "the people" have been used as an object of policy and politics. The book provides a wealth of insights and ideas for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of power and politics in contemporary societies.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399502856