The analysis of the Turkish model of governance and its relevance to the Arab world in a post-Arab spring context

Abstract

The mass revolutions which erupted at the start of 2011 in Tunisia have had a tremendous impact on the rest of the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. The uprisings, collectively known as the 'Arab Spring' have ignited hope for change and political reform in the region. These revolutions offered Turkey the perfect opportunity to emerge as a leader in the MENA region by enhancing its position as a regional model of governance, offering a combination of winning factors, including a prosperous economy, a strengthening democracy and a diverse foreign policy. The Turkish model of governance provides a unique role for Islamism, where the emphasis lies on the state having a moderate and civil connection to Islam and operating within democratic rules. Turkey's decision to align itself with the Arab nationals and against the authoritarian regimes significantly augmented its reputation within the region, and consequently the Turkish model also became more appealing. Arguments in favour depict Turkey as a leader, whose democratic rule, traditions, culture and geographical proximity made it the ideal model for some. For others, Turkey's secular nature and its suppressing of some fundamental democratic values, such as freedom of press, hinder it from truly being the democracy model for the Arab World. A case-study is presented where the characteristics of the Turkish model are tested in the Egyptian system of governance. It is true that Egypt and Turkey are very alike in numerous ways, but nevertheless some factors hinder the Turkish Model from being fully applied in Egypt. Such factors include the heavy role of the military in Egypt as well as Turkey's secularity. The objective of this thesis is to provide a complete analysis of Turkey and the Turkish model of governance, and to determine whether or not it is relevant to today's Arab World.