Rising competitive authoritarianism in Turkey
Date
2016
Authors
Esen, B.
Gümüşçü, S.
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Source Title
Third World Quarterly
Print ISSN
0143-6597
Electronic ISSN
Publisher
Routledge
Volume
37
Issue
9
Pages
1581 - 1606
Language
English
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Journal Title
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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.