The European Union and grassroots democratization in Turkey

Abstract:

Without question, the decision of the European Union to consider Turkey's membership application has spurred Turkish political reform. Is this, however, entirely an externally driven process? Are Turks responding merely to the material incentives of conditionality, or are some Turkish actors advocating reforms for their own sake? This essay examines these questions by looking at the role of Turkish civil society and public opinion in the reform process. It argues that support 'from below' within Turkey will be essential for the consolidation for reform. It finds that although there is evidence of Euroskepticism within the public at large, there is broad support in the abstract for democratic principles and human rights and that very visible actors within Turkey are working with the EU to further the reform project.