Understanding the Structural Causes of Turkish Protests

German Marshall Fund of the United States, June 06, 2013

Saban Kardas *

Last week’s demonstrations in Turkey are seen likely to create major ramifications in Turkish politics. With the government’s apology and the calls of major political forces for common sense, there are now efforts to understand the causes of the country-wide protests that included people from different walks of life, not only activists and militants but also ordinary citizens. The key question is what got these diverse groups, especially the urban youth and young professionals, together to wage sustained protests despite the security forces’ unwavering position.

* Dr. Şaban Kardaş works as an associate professor of international relations in the Department of International Relations at TOBB University of Economics and Technology in Ankara.

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