Grenzen der Autokratisierung oder Autokratisierung ohne Grenzen? Die Türkei und die Wahlen von Mai 2023

Limits of Autocratisation or Autocratisation beyond Limits? – Turkey and the May 2023 Elections Turkey under the AKP has become a paragon of autocratisation and competitive authoritarianism. However, as of yet, no consolidated autocracy has emerged. This study explores the factors that have obstructed Turkey’s autocratisation process by examining the country’s democratic legacy, the power of ideologically diverse political parties and the coordination between them, the perseverance of civil society, and instances of noncompliance within the state apparatus. This study also takes into account the impact of recent crises: The exacerbating economic crisis and the regime’s botched response to the earthquake of 6 February 2023 laid bare the dysfunctionality of Hyper-Presidentialism, while opposition municipalities succeeded in demonstrating a credible alternative to the AKP’s neoliberal authoritarianism. As the elections of May 2023 show, however, these factors have not been sufficient for a transfer of power. The future of politics in Turkey will depend on the opposition’s perseverance and the regime’s ability to deepen autocratic governance.