In terms of critical state theories political transformation in Turkey: Post-1980

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of neo-liberal policies on the restructuration of the state. Methodologically, we take a holistic approach with respect to the relationship between the state and the society. As we frame this study, we choose a critical approach as both etatist and neo-liberal approaches are seemingly alternative approaches. In case of Turkey, we focus on the ?new mode of politics? and transformation of the state structure through neo-liberal policies after 1980s. Thus, we follow the Critical-Open Marxist School?s approach to argue that political and economic spheres are not autonomous. For this reason, we try to frame our theoretical and methodological analysis based on this approach, which defines the state as a form of societal relations within the Marxist framework. In light of this theoretical and methodological framework, we analyze state-society relations in the context of transformation policies launched since 1980s in Turkey. In this regard, we try to develop a critical account of conceptualizations such as ?strong state tradition? and ?centre-periphery?, which are based on the duality between the state and society and commonly used to explain this transformation. By explaining state-society relations within this framework, we try to achieve a better understanding of how and in what direction neo-liberal policies change the state in Turkey and how these conceptualizations play an ideological role for legitimation of these policies.