Structuring of HPP sector in Turkey within the framework of interactions between activists, companies and state: Eastern Black Sea case

In this study, it is investigated that in what way the ongoing movements against HPP (Hydropower Plants) in the Eastern Black Sea have structured the HPP sector. The actions and discourses of activists along with the actions and discourses of state actors, companies, and are discussed in the process of mutual interaction. This research, which is integrating the new institutional theory and social movement theory, emphasises on some issues that were ignored or not addressed enough in order to contribute to the literature on institutional change. These issues are related to the roles of state as an actor and social movements, and the impacts of differences in the structure of political opportunity in a different context on the movement and its success. After applying case study method to the research, it is observed that the structure of the activists' mobilization structures and their action repertoires usually embrace non-institutional channels; Turkey's political opportunity structures mostly restrict activists, and the discourses and actions of the government try to passivate activists' efforts towards the change. It is revealed that as a result of the impact of other factors which are pertaining to the movement (ideological differences, etc.) the institutional change in the sector has developed in the direction opposite to the expectations of activists. On the basis of these findings in this research it is claimed that structural conditions in different countries and these conditions' impact on the channels, the movements use, and their success should be addressed in the institutional change studies. Keywords: Institutional Change, New Institutional Theory, Social Movements, Hydro Power Plants (HPP), Case Study Method