Rising competitive authoritarianism in Turkey
Author
Esen, B.
Gümüşçü, S.
Date
2016Source Title
Third World Quarterly
Print ISSN
0143-6597
Publisher
Routledge
Volume
37
Issue
9
Pages
1581 - 1606
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Since the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002 Turkey has undergone double regime transitions. First, tutelary democracy ended; second, a competitive authoritarian regime has risen in its stead. We substantiate this assertion with specific and detailed evidence from 2015 election cycles, as well as from broader trends in Turkish politics. This evidence indeed confirms that elections are no longer fair; civil liberties are being systematically violated; and the playing field is highly skewed in favour of the ruling AKP. The June 2015 election results and their aftermath further confirm that Turkey has evolved into a competitive authoritarian regime. © 2016 Southseries Inc., www.thirdworldquarterly.com.
Keywords
AKPAuthoritarian retreat
Competitive authoritarianism
Democracy
Democratic backsliding
Elections
Turkey
Authoritarianism
Democratic transition
Election
Party politics
Turkey