Unravelling the Social Formation: Free Trade, the State and Business Associations in Turkey

Akif Avci's Unravelling the Social Formation: Free Trade, the State, and Business Associations in Turkey examines the role of business associations and the state in Turkey in analyzing the dialectical relationship between global free trade and Turkish social formation since 2002. It offers a fresh neo-Gramscian evaluation of theories of imperialism and the U&CD framework for understanding social formation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 207 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In his groundbreaking work, Unravelling the Social Formation: Free Trade, the State, and Business Associations in Turkey, Akif Avci delves into the intricate interplay between global free trade and Turkish social formation since 2002. This manuscript employs a multi-level analytical framework, drawing upon the social relations of production, state forms, and world order, to explore the complex dynamics at play. Through a comprehensive examination of the class characteristics of business associations, the role of the Turkish state in integrating into global capitalism, and the internalization of global class relations within Turkey, Avci offers a novel neo-Gramscian perspective on theories of imperialism and the U&CD framework for understanding social formation.

The manuscript begins by examining the class characteristics of business associations in Turkey. It identifies the diverse membership structures, organizational forms, and strategies employed by these associations, which vary depending on their sectoral affiliations, membership base, and political orientation. Avci argues that these business associations play a crucial role in shaping the economic and social landscape of Turkey, as they represent the interests of businesses and entrepreneurs and advocate for policies that promote economic growth and competitiveness.

However, the manuscript also highlights the limitations and challenges faced by business associations in Turkey. Despite their potential for influence, business associations are often marginalized by the state and political elites, who view them as potential threats to their power and control. This marginalization can lead to limited access to resources, regulatory barriers, and political interference, which can hinder the growth and development of businesses.

To address these challenges, the manuscript proposes a fresh neo-Gramscian evaluation of theories of imperialism. Avci argues that the traditional understanding of imperialism, which focuses on the economic and political domination of weaker nations by stronger ones, is insufficient to capture the complex dynamics of contemporary global capitalism. Instead, he proposes a more nuanced understanding of imperialism that recognizes the role of business associations and other non-state actors in the process of global integration.

Avci also critiques the U&CD framework for understanding social formation. While the framework has been widely used to analyze the uneven and combined development of nations, Avci argues that it fails to fully account for the role of business associations and other non-state actors in shaping social formation. He suggests that the framework should be expanded to include a more comprehensive analysis of the social relations of production, state forms, and world order, which can provide a more accurate understanding of the processes of social change and transformation.

In conclusion, Unravelling the Social Formation: Free Trade, the State, and Business Associations in Turkey is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive and innovative analysis of the complex relationship between global free trade and Turkish social formation. Through a multi-level analytical framework, Avci explores the class characteristics of business associations, the role of the Turkish state in integrating into global capitalism, and the internalization of global class relations within Turkey. By proposing a fresh neo-Gramscian evaluation of theories of imperialism and critiquing the U&CD framework, Avci provides valuable insights into the processes of social change and transformation in contemporary global capitalism. This work is essential reading for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the dynamics of social formation and the role of business associations and other non-state actors in shaping it.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642598193