A Healthy and Democratic Civil-Military Relationship in Turkey: Accountability of the both Entities (original) (raw)

Until recently the Turkish military was beyond criticism or control, as the self-styled guardians of Turkish Republic the military officers have seen themselves the only source to protect the main principals of the Republic. This self-appointed task, they thought, had given them the right to interfere with Turkish politics when they see fit. Yet, with the latest arrests of some very top-brass generals accused of plotting a military coup against the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) government, it seems that the balance of power has shifted decisively. This paper explores the ways in which how far this balance could be maintained in a healthy civil-military relationship in a democratic country. The author suggests that the circumstances have been changed since the proclamation of Republic and Turkey is becoming a more and more self-confident country as she improves her rela- tionships with neighbors and becoming a wealthier country due to several economic reforms. All in all, the citizens wish to live in a normal democratic country. So, the two enti- ties, the civilians and the military, should be more accountable to each other, especially the military must learn the decisions of the public expressed in ballot polls.