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The effects of politicization on regime-change: The Case of the Turkish Military and Labor 1960 – 1980
Abstract
The main focus of this paper is to address the conditions of internally driven regime-change. In particular, I explore the role of the military and the labor unions as sources of regime-change via their impact on socio-political mobilization in Turkey between 1960 and 1980. Therefore, I will trace the necessary conditions for political mobility of the military and the labor unions, and how this creates avenues for social mobility. Hence, this paper will attempt to answer two key questions: What is the relationship between sources of social mobilization and regime-change? And, how has the level of politicization in the military and the labor unions affected regime-change in Turkey during the three coups between 1960 and 1980? The framework presented here unpacks the levels of politicization across the following five factors to reach more compelling explanations for the impact of politicization of the military and labor on regime-change: (1) The sociology of the military/labor organization (2) mission and the role of the military/labor unions in politics, (3) the status of the military/labor unions within society, (4) the role of military/labor unions as a source of political and social mobilization, and 5) foreign influence. This paper argues that when the military is the main source of social mobilization, regimes will have a higher likelihood of experiencing military intervention into politics during periods of internal unrest, such as experienced in Turkey in three different coups between 1960 and 1980. This case study offers a better understanding of the nexus between civil-military relations and the labor movement, and their effect on regime-change and political stability. The findings are applicable beyond the Turkish case, as we look at contemporary civil-military and labor relations elsewhere in the Middle East.
Discipline
International Relations/Affairs
Geographic Area
Turkey
Sub Area
Security Studies