Turkish Civil Society and the European Union

The research on relations between Turkey and the
European Union usually focuses on the Turkish
state s relations with European institutions. As the
boundaries between international and domestic
politics blur, there is need for a new approach.
Based on the transnational model in international
relations theory, this book surveys the Turkish
civil society organizations relations with the EU,
in their efforts to strategically alter the state s
preferences in favor of their own political agenda.
Focusing on three types of civil society actors,
i.e., businessmen s associations, workers unions,
and nongovernmental organizations, the research
delineates the mechanisms behind these actors
interactions with the EU since 1959, when Turkey
first applied for membership. The book provides a
detailed analysis of Turkish civic life, showing the
linkages between local, national and international
developments, and comparing eight different
organizations evolution through time. It aims to be
a source for students of Turkish civil society, and
for those who would like a new perspective to how
international organization-state-civil society
relations work.

Autorentext
Zeynep Alemdar is Assistant Professor and Head of the
International Relations Department at Okan University, Istanbul.
She completed her PhD in Political Science, and MA in Diplomacy
at the University of Kentucky. Her research interests include
transnational social movements, civil society- state relations,
and women s studies.

Klappentext
The research on relations between Turkey and the European Union usually focuses on the Turkish state's relations with European institutions. As the boundaries between international and domestic politics blur, there is need for a new approach. Based on the transnational model in international relations theory, this book surveys the Turkish civil society organizations' relations with the EU, in their efforts to strategically alter the state's preferences in favor of their own political agenda. Focusing on three types of civil society actors, i.e., businessmen's associations, workers' unions, and nongovernmental organizations, the research delineates the mechanisms behind these actors' interactions with the EU since 1959, when Turkey first applied for membership. The book provides a detailed analysis of Turkish civic life, showing the linkages between local, national and international developments, and comparing eight different organizations' evolution through time. It aims to be a source for students of Turkish civil society, and for those who would like a new perspective to how international organization-state-civil society relations work.