The Big Bet

The main aim of this work is to examine whether Turkish accession to the EU will threaten EU cohesion or not. The evaluation of this process resulted in the formation of a set of factors-variables upon which a model of EU cohesion was established. Through the use of these factors-variables and having theories of International Relations as the theoretical carpet (Realism, Structural Realism, Functionalism, Neo-Functionalism), nine scenarios on Turkish accession to the EU in relation to EU cohesion were elaborated, ranging from 'best case' to 'worst case scenario' and also including the option of a 'privileged partnership'. This work addresses the following controversial question: in case that Turkey joins the EU, will we have a 'European Turkey' or a 'Turkish Europe'?

Autorentext

Yiannos Charalambides studied Law and International Relations at Masters Level and is a Doctor in International Relations and European Studies. As a journalist and political analyst he covered the war in Bosnia (1994-1995) and the former Yugoslav Republic (1999-2000), but also in the Middle East (2002). The author keeps addressing the progress of the Cyprus Problem and the Euro-Turkish relations, and has been working as a political advisor for Members of the European Parliament since 2004. His political scientific works include articles regarding the Turkish Accession to the EU as well as the political shift from the Bush to the Obama administration in the context of the political theories of 'hard', 'soft' and 'smart' power.

Inhalt
Contents: EU cohesion Worst case scenario EU cohesion model Turkish accession Privileged partnership Crisis Role of the US in Turkish accession Structural changes Turkish army Redistribution of power Soviet syndrome Theory of the «three wedges».