Demokratieverständnis und Demokratisierungsprozesse in der Türkei
Understanding Democracy and Democratisation Processes in Turkey

Summary/Abstract: With regard to its institutions and rules, Turkey can be regarded as a Western liberal democracy like all other EU member states and candidate countries, although a non-consolidated or imperfect one. The existing flaws are analysed with regard to the role of military in politics, the deficiencies of the party system and problems in Turkey’s judicial system. Although Turkey’s political culture displays a general acceptance of democratic norms and values, the prevalent interpretation of the Kemalist state ideology tends to further an outdated pre-democratic understanding of the relationship between state and citizen. Turkey’s ongoing preparations for accession to the European Union started a process of substantial democratisation that, if sustained, could eventually transform the country’s polity into a consolidated democracy. For this to happen, continuing EU support seems to be a crucial element.

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