Political Leaders and Democracy in Turkey

by Metin Heper (Editor), Sabri Sayari (Editor), Feride Acar (Contribution by), Yesim Arat (Contribution by), Alev Cinar (Contribution by)

Overview

Since the founding of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, Turkey's political leaders have been decisive in shaping the development of their country's democratic patterns and processes. Beginning with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Political Leaders and Democracy in Turkey analyzes the origins, political careers, beliefs, and policies of eleven of modern-day Turkey's most influential leaders. The chapters offer a unique perspective into the complex and fascinating world of Turkish political leadership and the transition to, and consolidation of, democracy. This crucial addition to Turkish studies and comparative politics is the first book to undertake a systematic study of the role political leaders have played in shaping the successes, as well as the shortcomings, of Turkey's grand democratic experiment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739103524
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	05/28/2002
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.33(w) x 9.44(h) x 0.96(d)

About the Author

Metin Heper is Professor of Political Science at Bilkent University, Turkey. Sabri Sayari is Visiting Professor at the School of Foreign Service and Executive Director of the Institute of Turkish Studies at Georgetown University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Atatürk: Founding Father, Realist, and Visionary Chapter 3 Ismet Inönü: Rationalist Democrat Chapter 4 Celal Bayar: Conspiratorial Democrat Chapter 5 Adnan Menderes: Between Democratic and Authoritarian Populism Chapter 6 Süleyman Demirel: National Will and Beyond Chapter 7 Bülent Ecevit: From Idealist to Pragmatist Chapter 8 Necmettin Erbakan: Islamist, Demagogue, and Martyr Chapter 9 Alparslan Türkes: From Ultra-Nationalist to Democrat Chapter 10 Turgut Özal: Pious Agent of Liberal Transformation Chapter 11 Mesut Yilmaz: From Özal's Shadow to Mediator Chapter 12 Tansu Ciller: Lusting for Power and Undermining Democracy Chapter 13 Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

This is a truly unique work. I know of no other work in any language that treats this subject.--Joseph Szyliowicz, University of Denver

This volume is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Turkey's democratic experiences.--Birol Yesilada, Portland State University

A rich compendium of insights--penetrating and often provocative--into the worldviews, leadership styles, and governing philosophies of the people who have dominated Turkey's unsteady experiment in democracy. The leader-by-leader analysis is an excellent approach for understanding a democratic political culture in which personalities have usually overshadowed parties and institutions.--Alan Makovsky, Washington Institute for Near East Policy

From the Publisher

This is a truly unique work. I know of no other work in any language that treats this subject.

Joseph Szyliowicz

This study is highly recommended not only for the English students of Turkish politics and democracy but also for the Turkish reader as she can enjoy several fascinating stories about prominent Turkish political leaders.

H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online

This edited book is the first of its kind.

Middle East Journal

Heper and Sayan, two leadings scholars of Turkey, offer a high-quality and ambitious study that presents modern Turkish political history via the country's chief executives.

Middle Eastern Quarterly

A rich compendium of insights—penetrating and often provocative—into the worldviews, leadership styles, and governing philosophies of the people who have dominated Turkey's unsteady experiment in democracy. The leader-by-leader analysis is an excellent approach for understanding a democratic political culture in which personalities have usually overshadowed parties and institutions.

Alan Makovsky

This volume is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Turkey's democratic experiences.

Birol Yesilada

...the book serves as a major contribution to the understanding of the historical as well as the current agents of Turkey's democracy.

CHOICE

This study is highly recommended not only for the English students of Turkish politics and democracy but also for the Turkish reader as she can enjoy several fascinating stories about prominent Turkish political leaders.

H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online

...the book serves as a major contribution to the understanding of the historical as well as the current agents of Turkey's democracy.

Choice

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