In 1999 Turkey became candidate country for the European Union. Subsequently, but especially after the Turkish financial crisis of 2001 and the AKP electoral win of 2002, Turkish economy boomed. Until 2015, GDP more than tripled, the economic structure changed (from agricultural to service sector dominated) and economic relevance increased, what is illustrated e.g. by the admittance in G20. This economic boom is accompanied by AKP’s domestic political transformation (conservatism and moderate Islamisation) as well as the rising orientation to the region (Middle East, Northern Africa and Caucasus).
Turkey became a regional player with high geostrategic ambitions. This is illustrated also by an alienation of the EU. This work adumbrates the general Turkish development before 1999 and outlines the development since 1999 (both political and economic).
Table of Contents
1 Introduction, sources and state of research
2 The situation in 1999 and before
3 Developments from 1999 until today
3.1 Political developments
3.2 Economic developments
4 The influence of the AKP/EU and the Turkey-EU-interdependence
5 Turkey as a role model?
6 Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This essay explores the political and economic evolution of Turkey since it became an official candidate for EU accession in 1999, specifically focusing on the transformative impact of the AKP government and the shifting dynamics between Turkey and the European Union.
- Analysis of Turkey’s political and economic trajectory since 1999.
- Evaluation of the influence of AKP policies and EU-Turkey interdependence.
- Assessment of Turkey’s status and potential as a "Turkish Model" for the region.
- Examination of Turkey's foreign policy shift toward a regional power role.
- Discussion of democratic challenges and the current state of fundamental rights.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Political developments
The banking and financial crisis from 2001 (see chapter 3.2) led to a radical political change. The three previously ruling parties (DSP, MHP and ANAP) were not only unelected but all three did not manage to even get re-elected to the parliament. Obvious winner was the AKP. This electoral victory in November 2002 caused a socio-politically caesura. The AKP has been established in 2001 by prominent ex-politicians of the Islamist FP. The victory has been seen as kind of a protest election, but the AKP managed to use the opportunity to ensure a voters majority, not least because a progressive reform program, combined with an able PR as well as an effective HRM. AKP won every subsequent election. Turkey’s economy also benefitted from this political long-term stability. Especially the first four years of AKP-rule were characterized by an “impressive dynamics of reforms”. The reforms contained an enhancement of freedom of speech and press, abolition of death penalty, containment of torture, abolition of DGM’s, a reform of the NSC, cut-back of military authority, adjustment of criminal and civil law to EU-standards and later the foundation of Kurdish TV-stations, kind of a rapprochement with Armenia, Greece and Cyprus and a revision of Article 301 (“Insult of Turkishness”). One reason to name for the reform speed was the Turkish aim to join EU, which had been a main target of AKP under leadership of Mr. Erdoğan in the first years of rule and their firm pro-European reform course especially between November 2002 and December 2004.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction, sources and state of research: Provides an overview of the topic, the research methodology, and the scope of the study regarding Turkey's political and economic developments since 1999.
2 The situation in 1999 and before: Summarizes Turkey's path towards EU candidacy and the economic and political conditions that preceded the AKP's rise to power.
3 Developments from 1999 until today: Examines the political and economic transformations in Turkey under AKP leadership, including reforms and democratic shifts.
4 The influence of the AKP/EU and the Turkey-EU-interdependence: Analyzes the reciprocal relationship between Turkish government policies and European Union influence.
5 Turkey as a role model?: Evaluates whether Turkey serves as a viable model for regional neighbors, particularly regarding the intersection of Islam, democracy, and economic success.
6 Conclusion: Reflects on the successes and drawbacks of Turkey's development and the challenges of reconciling Western orientation with regional ambitions.
Keywords
Turkey, AKP, European Union, EU accession, economic growth, democratization, regional power, foreign policy, Middle East, civil rights, reform, Turkish Model, G20, political transformation, Middle-Easternization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the political and economic development of Turkey from 1999 to the present, focusing on the changes brought about by the AKP government and the impact of the EU accession process.
What are the core thematic fields covered?
Key fields include domestic political reforms, economic liberalization and growth, foreign policy reorientation, and the debate surrounding Turkey as a regional role model.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to analyze the socio-political and economic transformation of Turkey and determine how its Western and EU orientation can be reconciled with its growing geostrategic regional ambitions.
What scientific methods are utilized?
The work employs a comprehensive analysis of secondary literature, government reports, and economic data sourced from institutions such as the CIA, IMF, and World Bank to construct a profound overview.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It details the political and economic situation pre-1999, the reforms post-2002, the influence of the AKP and EU, and the ongoing discussions regarding Turkey's suitability as a regional "role model."
Which keywords characterize the work?
Core keywords include AKP, European Union, democratization, economic liberalization, foreign policy, and regional power.
How has the AKP influenced Turkish foreign policy?
The AKP shifted Turkish foreign policy toward a "360 degrees" approach, prioritizing regional influence in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Central Asia while balancing traditional ties to the West.
What does the text conclude about the "Turkish Model"?
While Turkey initially appeared to be a successful model for combining Islam, democracy, and economic success, the text notes that democratic backsliding and polarization have complicated this perception.
- Quote paper
- Bernhard Weidenbach (Author), 2015, Turkey as a role model?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/900921
