Europeanisation and transformation process of Turkey

ABSTRACTM.A DissertationEuropeanisation and Transformation Process of TurkeyDiğdem SOYALTINDokuz Eylul UniversityInstitute Of Social SciencesEU Studies Graduate DepartmentThe concept of Europeanisation as an emerging multi-dimensional andcomplex phenomenon, especially in recent years has become an academic andpolitical concept respectively as a new level of analysis and a new analyticalframework in European Studies. Europeanisation refers to a set of processesthrough which the EU political, social and economic dynamics become a part ofthe logic of the domestic discourse, identities, political structures and publicpolicies. In this context it is clear that Europeanisation changes structure ofnation states and the collective understandings attached to them. Institutionaland policy misfit between EU and domestic levels puts adaptation pressure onmember states. This adaptational pressure and existence of mediating formalinstitutions which can overcome veto points in the country can lead totransformation at national level.Europeanisation refers a transformation process through adaptation ofEU norms and standarts both for EU member and candidate countries.Europeanisation process follows different ways in member and candidatecountries and must be evaluated in a different manners. Europeanisation is atwo way and interactive process in which EU member states, which are affectedby European Integration, are both appliers and shapers of EU policies inaccordance with their interests. On he other hand, Europeanisation is a oneway street for candidate countires, based on asymetrical power relationshipbetween two sides. In context of this study, Europeanisation refers a process ofconvergence on modern European norms and values through the interaction ofthree dynamics for candidate countries: first the legally binding norms of theEU, secondly the transformation of objective interests of enterprises andindividuals, third the transformation of subjective values and identities. Themechanisms for setting into motion these complex processes are summarilydivided into two categories: conditionality and socialisation. Europeanisationputs adaptational pressure also on Turkey via so-called mechanisms as in othercandidate countries and cause transformation.In addition to EU conditionality strategy, some national/internationaldevelopments may have impact on important institutional changes andconstutional and legal amendements in Turkey, thus have triggered politicalEuropeanisation. There are so-called some veto points and mediating factorsbehind this transformation process. The consensus that would be establishedbetween these factors and how Turkey comes to define itself in future -as apluralist, multicultural democracy or as a modernised but more unitarynationalistic democracy- will determine the ongoing process of Europeanisation.This study aims to assess the Europeanisation and transformation process forthe case of ? Turkey? in the theoretical framework.Key Words: 1) Europeanisation 2) Transformation 3) Conditionality4) Socialisation 5) Turkey