The rise of Erdoğanism as a cult of charismatic authority
In short: Is Erdoğanism a genuine political ideology or a masterclass in personality-driven governance? Emerging as a powerful force in Turkish politics, it blends conservative values with a rejection of secular foundations. To understand its reach, one must look past the slogans to the mechanics of charismatic authority.
Erdoğanism refers to the political agenda and ideals of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who rose to power in 2003. While its roots lie in Turkish conservatism and the Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) founded in 2001, scholars often describe it as a unique fusion of conservative democratic ideals with a pervasive cult of personality. It is frequently characterized as a 'Third Way' ideology that seeks to establish a 'New Turkey' by departing from the secular principles of Kemalism established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
The mechanism of Erdoğanism relies heavily on charismatic authority and a centralized leadership model. Unlike systems based on the separation of powers or institutional checks, Erdoğanism prioritizes electoral consent. This has led critics and foreign leaders, including Viktor Orbán, to label the system an 'illiberal democracy' or an 'elective dictatorship.' The ideology is also defined by its proactive foreign policy of Neo-Ottomanism and a desire to revive cultural and traditional values from the Ottoman Empire, often manifesting in slogans like 'Man of the nation.'
The ideology faces internal friction even from its ideological neighbors. While it utilizes Islamic rhetoric, some hardline Islamists criticize Erdoğanism for centering devotion on a human leader rather than on religious teachings. Groups like the Felicity Party (SP) argue that the movement is less about Islamism and more about using religious language to sustain an authoritarian structure. Ultimately, Erdoğanism represents a significant shift in Turkish identity, moving away from Western-oriented modernization toward a populist, personality-driven conservatism.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Erdoğanism
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