The political and economical relations between Turkey and European countries date back to 11 century when Turks migrated from Asia to Anatolia and later conquered Constantinople establishing Ottoman Empire. Since then Turks became familiar with European culture and political, economical system of European countries. There were always conflicts between Turkey and European countries because culture and religion divided them deeply. After collapse of Ottoman Empire Turkey chose a different path for the future of the country under leadership of Mustafa Kamal Pasha Ataturk. It was European integration which actually started on 31 July of 1959 when Turkey applied for associate membership in European Community. In 1963 Ankara agreement was signed in this regard which strengthened Turkish and European relations. An important aspect that made EU and Turkey closer during this period was threat of Soviet Union and collaboration within the framework of NATO.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. AKP rule in Turkey
3. Turkish economy and Europe
4. The impact of Kurdish issue to EU and Turkish relations
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the complex evolution of political and economic relations between Turkey and the European Union, specifically focusing on the impact of the AKP’s tenure since 2002. It explores whether Turkey's domestic policy shifts, economic reforms, and regional geopolitical role align with European integration standards.
- The influence of AKP's neoliberal economic policies and institutional reforms on EU accession prospects.
- Turkey's role in European energy security and its geopolitical standing between the West, Russia, and the Middle East.
- The challenges posed by the Republic of Cyprus and the Kurdish issue in the context of EU-Turkey relations.
- The impact of internal ideological shifts and religious discourse on Turkey's secular state identity and European perception.
Excerpt from the Book
AKP rule in Turkey
In 2002 Justice and Development Party of Turkey (AKP) came to power. From first days of its ruling the elites of Turkey started to fear that the new government is a big threat to secular state with its Islamic background. However these people having many suspicions regarding the new government don’t have arguments to prove their opinions. The party pays attention to democratic values and at the same time strives to preserve cultural traits. In the program of AKP there are no points referring to Islam. According to some experts the party pursue 2 dimensional policies: focusing on Islam and Islamic countries and integration to Europe. Political experts have different ideas on AKP policy ranging from pro Islam to pro European. Some experts claim that AKP sticks to Islamic traditions in order to restore its influence in Arabic countries as it was during Ottoman Empire and at the same time develop its economical relations with Europe in order to benefit from opportunities offered by EU.
AKP has started to pursue neoliberal policy in regards to economy and committed to globalization process. The resources were redistributed from bigger enterprises to smaller ones. Different amendments were made in order to favour medium and small size enterprises. In 2008 AKP introduced general health insurance policy targeting 3 groups of society: worker, self-employed people and civil servants. The ruling party continued privatization of state enterprises and attracted more direct investment. The government opened protected markets of tobacco, sugar, telecommunication and electricity to private markets. As a result the private sector increased up to 80%. As government opened different spheres of market to privatization both foreign and internal investment increased.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a historical overview of the relations between Turkey and European countries, tracing the path from the Ottoman Empire to the formal application for European Community membership.
AKP rule in Turkey: Discusses the emergence of the AKP, its neoliberal economic reforms, and the domestic controversy surrounding the party's ideological stance on secularism and Islamic tradition.
Turkish economy and Europe: Analyzes the economic dynamics between Turkey and the EU, including the Customs Union, trade statistics, migration concerns, and the role of the Common Agricultural Policy.
The impact of Kurdish issue to EU and Turkish relations: Examines how the Kurdish minority question and the push for democratization influence political stability and Turkey's compliance with European human rights conventions.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that while Turkey remains a critical strategic and security partner for Europe, internal domestic challenges and unresolved foreign policy issues remain significant obstacles to EU membership.
Keywords
Turkey, European Union, AKP, Accession, Neoliberalism, Customs Union, Energy Security, Cyprus, Kurdish Issue, Democratization, Secularism, Human Rights, Migration, Geopolitics, Economy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The publication examines the political and economic development of Turkey under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its subsequent impact on the country's aspiration for European Union membership.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the transformation of the Turkish economy, the geopolitical importance of Turkey for European energy security, the influence of the Kurdish issue, and the impact of the AKP's governing style on EU relations.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The objective is to analyze the viability of Turkey's EU accession by evaluating internal reforms, human rights progress, and external challenges, such as the dispute regarding the Republic of Cyprus.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author employs a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on international reports, economic data, and academic literature to assess the compatibility of Turkish policies with European standards.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the political ascent of the AKP, the economic shift towards privatization and neoliberalism, the role of Turkey as a regional energy hub, and the impact of domestic ethnic and social tensions on international relations.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The most relevant keywords include Turkey, European Union, AKP, Democratization, Geopolitics, and Kurdish Issue.
How does the author view the influence of the Kurdish issue on EU-Turkey relations?
The author identifies the Kurdish question as a significant obstacle that affects Turkey's international image and creates domestic political friction, necessitating reforms in minority rights and democratization.
What conclusion does the author draw regarding Turkey's future in the EU?
The author concludes that while EU membership is a difficult and long-term prospect, it remains possible if Turkey continues to pursue modernization, addresses corruption, and resolves regional conflicts with neighbors like Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia.
Why is Turkey considered a strategic asset for Europe according to this work?
Turkey is viewed as a vital bridge between the West and the Muslim world, a major partner in energy security, and a key military player through its NATO membership.
- Citar trabajo
- Fuad Babayev (Autor), 2013, Turkey and the EU. The period of AKP rule, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/413446
