Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Σπουδές Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης: Πολιτική, Ιστορία, ΟικονομικάLibrary of the Faculties of Political Science and Public Administration, Communication and Mass Media Studies, Turkish and Modern Asian Studies, Sociology
Supervisors info:
Anna Vallianatou, Program Secretary, Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Thanos Dokos (THESIS ADVISOR), Professor, Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. thanosdokos@eliamep.gr
Nikolaos Tzifakis, Professor, Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Original Title:
The Changing Political Role of the Turkish Military since the Advent of the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
Translated title:
The Changing Political Role of the Turkish Military since the Advent of the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
Summary:
The Turkish military has had a large role in Turkish politics since the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. It has seen itself, and has been seen by the Turkish public, as a guardian of the Republic and its guiding principles, especially those of secularism and republicanism. This guardianship role has led not only to a high degree of military involvement in politics, but also to four interventions, which overthrew the sitting Turkish government in times when the military deemed it unable or unwilling to protect the values of the nation. However, the military’s power has gradually decreased since the beginning of the 21st century, due to two factors: pressure to comply with the political criteria necessary for membership in the European Union, which requires civilian control and oversight of the military, and the emergence of a strong political party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has increased its own power at the expense of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Main subject category:
Social, Political and Economic sciences
Keywords:
Turkey, Erdogan, military, Turkish military, Turkish Armed Forces, Justice and Development Party, AKP, Ergenekon, Sledgehammer
