Reconsidering the role of non-public actors in Turkish policy-making

Abstract

Indirect forms of government have become increasingly prominent in Turkey over the last few decades. After giving an overview of the growing role of nonpublic actors in Turkish policy-making, we depart from the common idea that the phenomenon is a result of neoliberalism only and examine the multiple genealogies and complex dynamics at work. The paper then questions the preconception according to which the involvement of non-public actors implies a retreat of the state and frames these developments in terms of changing forms of government. Finally, we question the outcomes of this phenomenon in terms of policy and power reconfigurations.

Changing Policy Advisory Dynamics in the 2000s: The Advisory Roles of Political Scientists in Turkey

“…An alternative explanation may be found in the changing nature of civil society organizations and think thanks in Turkey. Recent research on civil society suggests that the distance between these actors and governmental actors has diminished and that several of them are being increasingly coopted by the state (Paker et al, 2013;Yabanci, 2019;Massicard & Visier, 2019). Moreover, funding such organizations would free state agencies from the usual administrative and financial constraints that come with directly purchasing advisory services (Yülek, 2008;Yıldız, 2013;Ministry of Development, 2018).…”