The intellectual roots of anti-European sentiments in Turkish politics: The case of radical Turkish nationalism

Article abstract:

This contribution examines the intellectual roots of current anti-European sentiments actively embraced by the radical Turkish nationalists and their parliamentary representative, the Nationalist Action Party (MHP). Particularly in the aftermath of the acceptance of the new legislation in accordance with European Union membership criteria, radical Turkish nationalists appear to be the main group vehemently opposing Turkish efforts to join Europe. The authors argue that the concerns raised by this movement have a long history in Turkish political thought. The most appropriate context for such an analysis is identified as the Republican tradition of nationalism/conservatism. Consequently, this study reveals that the MHP in particular, and the radical nationalist movement in general, do not constitute a singular example of anti-European sentiments and criticism in Turkish politics. Instead, this engagement with the intellectual history of the current political stand of radical Turkish nationalists confirms that ideological approaches and normative values pronounced among these circles are a reflection of the intertwined traditions of Turkism, Islamism, cultural purism, defensive nationalism and reverse Orientalism in Turkish political culture. Finally, the authors make the claim that anti-European attitudes of radical nationalist pedigree are an integral part of grander political transformations rather than being an end in themselves.

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