Search

Turkey is undergoing the most substantial constitutional reform process in its history, at the same time as carrying out significant peace talks with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. These two processes will have profound effects on the country’s future governance. Most importantly, the processes could contribute to bridging gaps in Turkey’s polarized society. As the processes take place in secret, their substantive contents are currently unknown. This article provides a critical analysis of the processes in the light of the new theory of constitutionalism, paying particular attention to the changing role of the European Union in Turkey’s reform discussions. This analysis leads to some sceptical conclusions: given the secrecy, exclusiveness and political hostility surrounding the processes, it seems that they are unlikely to achieve their potential. In addition, despite its contradictions, the weakening of European Union conditionality appears to have negatively affected the reform process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents information on the role of democracy in 21st century Turkey with special attention to demonstrations at the Gezi Park, Istanbul, the relationship between the media and democracy, as well as protesters. Other topics mentioned in this article include social mobilization, the economic situation of Turkey, and the role of new media.

The article reports on protests at the Gezi Park in Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey beginning in 2013. Topics include the protesters' objections to the removal of trees in the park for the construction of a military barrack, international perceptions of the protests, and the response of the Turkish government to the protest. Attitudes of the ruling Turkish political party Justice and Development Party (AKP) towards opposition and legal means of addressing protesters' demands are also noted.