Western Democracy And The AKP A Dialogical Analysis Of Turkey’S Democratic Crisis | Middle Eastern Studies

Upturning the typical view of Turkey’s democratic trajectory as a product of authoritarian assault or unfortunate circumstances this book argues that the AKP first elected in 2002 has consistently advanced a narrative of democracy as the work of an elite working for the 'National Will'. Beginning with an analysis of the historical processes that led to the AKP’s rise at the beginning of the 21st century the book then focuses on the AKP since 2002. Though Turkey’s democratic transition was originally characterised by Western co-operation the author outlines the gradual deterioration of these relations since the 2010s as well as the decline of political rights freedom of expression and the rule of law. However bringing in theoretical perspectives of democracy it is argued that the AKP has adopted an alternative definition based on the 'National Will' throughout its rule resistant to the Western essentialist view. As such the AKP’s story highlights that the root of this crisis lies within democracy itself. The book will appeal to historians and analysts of Turkish politics as well as to political scientists interested in theories of democracy. Moreover for those interested in the global contemporary crisis of democracy the book provides an important case-study. |Western Democracy and the AKP A Dialogical Analysis of Turkey’s Democratic Crisis | Middle Eastern Studies