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

Turkish Politics and The People explores the concept of the people in Turkish politics, examining its uses and constructions from 1923 to the present, and its impact on society, political culture, and institutional architecture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Turkish Politics and The People: A Critical Examination of the Uses and Constructions of the People in the Study of Politics
Turkish Politics and The People is a groundbreaking book that delves into the study of politics through a critical examination of the uses and constructions of the people in the Turkish Republic. The book spans from the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923 to the present day and offers valuable insights into the concept, political subject, object of policy, and politics of the people.

One of the key themes of the book is the historical development of the notion of the people in Turkish politics. The authors argue that the people have been shaped by the history of the republic and have, in turn, informed ways of visualising society, the country's political culture, institutional architecture, and framed the parameters and repertoires of political action.

The book begins by examining the origins of the people in Turkish politics. It traces the development of the concept of the people from the Ottoman Empire to the Republican period and highlights the various ways in which the people have been used and constructed by different political actors. The authors argue that the people have been used as a tool to legitimize political power, to mobilize support, and to justify political actions.

The book then moves on to examine the various ways in which the people have been constructed in Turkish politics. The authors argue that the people have been constructed as a homogeneous and unified group, with a shared set of values, beliefs, and interests. This construction has been used to justify the exclusion of certain groups from political participation and to promote a particular political agenda.

The book also examines the ways in which the people have been used and constructed in the context of political conflict. The authors argue that the people have been used as a tool to justify violence and to mobilize support for political causes. They also argue that the people have been used as a tool to undermine the legitimacy of political institutions and to promote a particular political agenda.

The book concludes by offering a series of recommendations for how the people can be used and constructed in a more positive and democratic way in Turkish politics. The authors argue that the people should be recognized as a diverse and heterogeneous group with a wide range of values, beliefs, and interests. They also argue that the people should be given the opportunity to participate in political decision-making processes and that political institutions should be designed to promote democratic governance.

One of the strengths of Turkish Politics and The People is its use of a critical approach to the study of politics. The authors challenge many of the assumptions and beliefs that have been held about the people in Turkish politics and offer a more nuanced and complex understanding of the concept.

Another strength of the book is its use of a wide range of sources and data. The authors draw on a wide range of historical documents, political speeches, and interviews to support their arguments. This allows the book to provide a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the uses and constructions of the people in Turkish politics.

However, there are also some limitations to the book. One of the limitations is that the book is primarily focused on the Turkish Republic and does not provide a broader comparative perspective. This means that the book may not be as useful for readers who are interested in the study of politics in other countries.

Another limitation is that the book can be quite dense and difficult to read. The authors use a lot of technical terms and concepts, and this can make it difficult for readers who are not familiar with the field of political science.

Despite these limitations, Turkish Politics and The People is a valuable book that offers valuable insights into the study of politics in the Turkish Republic. The book provides a critical examination of the uses and constructions of the people in Turkish politics and offers a series of recommendations for how the people can be used and constructed in a more positive and democratic way.

In conclusion, Turkish Politics and The People is a groundbreaking book that delves into the study of politics through a critical examination of the uses and constructions of the people in the Turkish Republic. The book offers valuable insights into the concept, political subject, object of policy, and politics of the people and provides a series of recommendations for how the people can be used and constructed in a more positive and democratic way. While there are some limitations to the book, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of politics in the Turkish Republic.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399502863