CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN TURKEY AFTER 2016

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Authors
Shahzad, Muhammad Khurram
Subjects
civil-military relations
democratic civilian control and oversight
operational effectiveness of Turkish military
military prerogatives
Operation Euphrates Shield
Operation Olive Branch
Advisors
Gingeras, Ryan
Date of Issue
2019-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
This thesis analyzes the impact of post-2016 reforms in Turkish civil-military relations (CMR) on the Turkish military’s operational effectiveness. The Turkish military was once a key player in the country’s domestic politics, a role that endured through a number of military interventions. Since the election of the Adalet ve Kalkınma Partis (Justice and Development Party) in 2002, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been able to gradually reduce the military’s involvement in politics through the introduction of various harmonization packages and constitutional amendments. After the failed coup attempt on 15 July 2016, President Erdoğan has gathered great power in his hands. Reforms since then have not only limited the military’s influence in politics but also diminished the armed forces’ professionalism and effectiveness. This thesis explores the new institutional reforms that have affected the Turkish military and the degree to which presidential control has influenced the army’s effectiveness and organization. The current relationship between civilian and military authorities has resulted in a total disregard for the country’s military tradition, its meritocratic order, and its professional norms.
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Thesis
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https://hdl.handle.net/10945/62292
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National Security Affairs (NSA)
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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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