The military in Turkey has been both the subject and the object of modernization as Westernization. In the process it came to occupy a prominent place in the Turkish polity, acting as the guardian of the premises upon which the Turkish Republic was based. In the post-1960 period it took power into own hands several times. Yet, the military interventions in question were made to 'save the democracy from itself' and not for the purpose of setting up a long-term military rule. Over the years, the military became less enthusiastic about intervening in politics. In recent years, the military's extrication from politics altogether gained a new momentum as a consequence of Turkey's bid to become a full member of the EU. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.