POLITICAL MODERNIZATION IN MODERN TURKEY: INSTITUTIONAL DIMENSION

Abstract

Purpose. To analyze the current state of political modernization in modern Turkey and its impact on the main political institutions. Methods. To achieve this goal, the author uses a combination of political science methods, both systemic and institutional, also referring to the description of the functional significance of political institutions, especially political parties and the party system. The article describes the history of the issue, which reveals the project nature of political modernization. The main qualitative changes that have occurred in the political system, as well as changes in the constitutional foundations of public administration, are analyzed. Results. In the course of the work, a number of intermediate conclusions are made. First, about changing the ideological grounds of modern Turkey’s existence and the planned "soft" rejection of the Kemalist heritage. The current leadership of the Republic is represented by the Party of Justice and Development, which articulates the agenda of moderate Islamism, and is focused on refusing to build a secular state, using religion as an element of legitimizing the regime and strengthening foreign policy influence. The basis for their ideology is a reinterpretation of the historical experience of the Ottoman Empire. The importance of accompanying changes in the form of government and the functional role of the main actors in the political system are also emphasized, in particular, changes in the role and political status of the military. Two constitutional referenda were held in the country, which became possible as part of the country's Europeanization policy, but in the end they had different consequences for the political system. Scientific novelty involves systematic consideration of the issue with the emphasis on the analysis of the changing functional role of the main political actors and institutions. The paper provides a forecast of future vectors of political modernization based on syncretic approaches of the Western and national analysts.