Crystallizing Fault-lines: Turkey’s Democratic Durability at Risk

In the aftermath of the anti-governmental Gezi demonstrations of May-June and the conclusion of the Ergenekon trial earlier this month, clear fault-lines are crystallizing in the Turkish political landscape, with parties reinforcing the divide by shoring up their respective core support bases. This trend brings with it the attendant danger of a more polarized Turkey and ushering in an ineffective political system where political elites are unable to build consensus among diverging social demands. Considering the possible negative impacts of this situation on Turkey’s democratic durability, the EU would do well to recognize the new political reality emerging in Turkey by further engaging with the country, not turning away from it. [ISDP Policy Brief No. 129].