Abstract
Abstract
Political developments in Turkey in the last decade have been conceived in the academic literature mostly in terms of de-democratization/autocratization and, more recently, populism—and much less in terms of illiberalism. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002 with a liberalization program, not only on an economic level but also on a political platform of defending less state intervention and protecting rights and pluralism. Within a few years, however, the same rulers began to heavily restrict checks and balances, the rule of law, and basic rights and freedoms. This chapter argues that considering these developments in terms of illiberalism—by disentangling democracy and liberalism—provides new insights. It is based on the study of the political practices of the AKP in office and their evolution. It suggests ways to operationalize the notion of illiberalism in the recent Turkish experience, showing the analytical perspectives this case offers.