Introduction: Israel and Turkey in Comparative Perspective (2016) (original) (raw)
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This article examines the complex relationship between state, religion and democratization in Turkey, Egypt and Israel. It demonstrates that binary and static models of separation and integration between state and religion are not sufficient to understanding the complex relationship between them and chances of democratization. Based on examining the democratization processes in the three Middle Eastern countries, the article argues that separation or integration between state and religion, although different, does not precondition democratic transformation and democratization. It is the form, the measure and the direction of separation or integration that makes the difference. The article demonstrates that democratization is not a one-dimensional linear model, but rather can take two opposing directions when it comes to religion and state relations. Whereas in some cases the public return of religion and the subsequent representation of religious groups reflect democratization, in other cases, where state and religion are tightly integrated, democratization means the decoupling of state and religion and the downgrading of religious control of public institutions and individual personal status. Moreover, the examination of the three Middle Eastern countries demonstrates that democratization could involve the return of religion to the public sphere, as part of the basic democratic right of social groups to be represented and their right to participate in determining their cultural and ideological environment. It could also involve the deinstitutionalization of religion as exclusive authority and identity in the public sphere and in the private life of individuals. Based on such understanding the article claims that dynamic models of state–religion relations are necessary in order to anticipate the chances of democratization and consolidation.
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Case study: Israel - Global State of Democracy 2023 Report
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Essays collected in this volume explores different aspects of democracy in lsrael, Jordan and Turkey. Procedura! democracy may be viewed as consisting of two fundamental dimensions: political participation of citizens and social groups and competitiveness amongst politica I actors. Both of them may be discussed on the level of political institutions and political behavior of certain actors. Two Middle Eastern democracies - lsrael and Turkey as well as pluralized autocracy-Jordan, despite significant differences, share some similar problems concerning limits of political participation and fears of restricted competitiveness. Those dilemmas of democracy in the Middle East have been extensively discussed in this volume.
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This article attempts, in its own small way, to make a brief assessment of the debate over Turkey`s role as a model, and the process of democratization as one of the most significant elements of this model. Within the context of a renewed interest in the subject in general, the relevance of the Turkish experience in democratization to the process of political reform in the Arab and Muslim world has become a focus of debate. While Turkey is promoted by some as a model for Islamic countries, others have argued that its experience is irrelevant to the issues of democratization in the Middle East.
Turkey's Relations with Israel in the 2000s: A Constructivist Perspective
iii I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and presented in accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that, as required by these rules and conduct, I have fully cited and referenced all material and results that are not original to this work. Name, Last name: Derviş Fikret Ünal Signature : iv ABSTRACT TURKEY'S RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL IN THE 2000s: A CONSTRUCTIVIST PERSPECTIVE The main aim of this dissertation is to understand Turkey's relations with Israel in the 2000s from the perspective of Turkey's state identity. The research question of this dissertation is whether or not the concept of "state identity" is relevant to the Turkish-Israeli relations, and if so, to what extent. This dissertation also studies if there is continuity or change in Turkey's state identity in the 2000s. To that end, the dissertation compares and contrasts the situation before and after the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi) term from a theoretical perspective in order to reach a final analysis. This dissertation assumes that the change in the Turkish-Israeli relations in the 2000s from the strategic relations to crises can be explained by the change in Turkey's state identity from the pro-Western stance to the Middle Easternized Central Country / Heir of the Ottoman Empire stance.
Prospects for Democratization in Turkey
Democratic consolidation in a cosmopolitan society as Turkey’s is a formidable and long journey. There is no single, right path to democracy, and while facilitative factors such as historical experience may enable a smoother transition, practically many countries undergo problems, false starts, and reversals in their struggle for democracy. Liberal institutions can function most effectively in a democratic society and economic prosperity is positively correlated with political freedoms. Economic development should be subordinated to pursuit for liberal democracy. Turkey’s flawed but functioning democracy has endured revolutions, illiberal movements, and military interventions. The country has successfully risen from the ashes of an empire and instituted reforms that brought a modern nation into life. Despite external influences, from great-power games in the Ottoman era to the prospect for EU membership in the republican era, most of the impetus for liberalization has come from within. What distinguished modern Turkey from autocratic regimes of the Middle East is not electoral majoritarianism that pre-conditioned a strict sequencing of public order and liberalization first, but the embodiment of democratic principles and citizenship rights into state-building from very early on. It is regulated, representative democracy after all that secures civil liberties, lives, and livelihoods.