Populist and polarizing discourses in the context of strategic communication management: the case of 2023 Turkish Presidential Elections Istanbul rallies

Polarization is one of the most apparent threats to democracy, and this study demonstrates how political discourses deepen societal divisions. This thesis critically examines the polarizing discourses employed by the Cumhur and Millet Alliances during the 2023 Presidential Elections in Turkey, through discourse analysis. The primary objective of this research is to understand the cultural foundations of political polarization and to explore why such polarizing language is preferred at the level of strategic communication management. Additionally, it assesses the impact of these discourses on Turkey's democratic culture. It is emphasized that electoral periods in Turkey signify the beginning of new political eras and that the relationship between the ruling party and the opposition is generally conducted in an exclusionary manner. The findings of the research indicate that polarizing discourses are strategically utilized by political actors during election periods. This study makes a significant contribution to understanding the cultural and ideological foundations of political polarization in Turkey. It is crucial to carefully analyze political communication strategies and the discourses employed to preserve democratic values and maintain political stability. Keywords: Polarization, populism, discourse analysis, strategic communication, Turkish presidential elections