Rising competitive authoritarianism in Turkey

Date
2016
Authors
Esen, B.
Gümüşçü, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge
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.

Description
Keywords
AKP, Authoritarian retreat, Competitive authoritarianism, Democracy, Democratic backsliding, Elections, Turkey, Authoritarianism, Democratic transition, Election, Party politics, Turkey
Citation