The European Union and Turkey: an anchor/credibility dilemma

The European Union and Turkey: an anchor /credibility dilemma:

Drawing on the theories of integration, credible policy commitments and convergence, this book demonstrates that the problematic evolution of the EU-Turkey relations has been due to an anchor/credibility dilemma: neither Turkey's European orientation was a credible commitment nor was the EU's anchoring capacity resolute enough to make policy reversals in Turkey less likely. Analysis by the author suggests that the dilemma can be resolved if two conditions are met: learning from past mistakes; and the willingness to reduce the scope for discretion in the interpretation as well as interpretation as well as implementation of the contractual provisions that govern EU-Turkey relations.

The chapters in this book are organised as modular units, however they form an integrated whole in terms of narrative and unity of analysis. It can therefore either be read as a full text on EU-Turkey relations or as a collection of analytical/empirical chapters analysing specific issues in the EU and Turkish policy-making processes. The eight chapters are: The Anchor/Credibility dilemma in EU-Turkey relations: introduction; State-society interaction, European integration and the EU's anchoring capacity; State-society interaction and non-credible policy commitments in Turkey; The Anchor/Credibility dilemma and trade policy; The Anchor/Credibility dilemma and free movement; The Anchor/Credibility dilemma and the Cyprus problem; The Anchor/Credibility dilemma and human rights; General conclusions. The book aims to appeal to readers interested in EU-Turkey relations, students of European integration, researchers and policy-makers.