Journal Article - Government and Opposition

Democracy, Human Rights and Market Development in Turkey: Are They Related?

| Spring 2006

Abstract

Some studies suggest that market-based economic development with state policies based on the rule of law are essential in stabilizing democracy and protecting civil and political rights. This article explores a possible association between weak civil and political rights, democratic instability and the delay in a state-regulated market development under the rule of law in Turkey. Despite its experience with democratic institutions since the 1950s, Turkey can be characterized as an 'illiberal' democracy because of its poor record on human rights. The lack of a relatively autonomous and competitive market economy may be explained by clientelist and inegalitarian forms of state intervention. These in turn contribute to the perpetuation of low income levels, a clientelist rent-seeking political and economic culture and unstable and illiberal democracy.

For more information on this publication: Please contact International Security
For Academic Citation: Mousseau, Demet Yalcin. “Democracy, Human Rights and Market Development in Turkey: Are They Related?.” Government and Opposition, vol. 41. no. 2. (Spring 2006):
298-326
.

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