Democratization in Turkey

This study aims to analyze the underlying social, economic, cultural, and institutional factors that had enabled Turkey¿s transition from authoritarian single-party rule to multi-party democracy in 1946. The main strands of theories of democratization are employed to provide a multivariate explanation for the peaceful transfer of state power. The study concludes that although it is not possible to claim a hierarchy among explanatory factors, the elites' commitment to democratic ideals appears to be a key determining factor alongside a major socio-economic and political transformation. Therefore, this book should provide useful insights into the theories of democratization, Turkish politics and democratization process in Turkey.