New Turkish Republic: Turkey As a Pivotal State in the Muslim World (Pivotal State Series) [Paperback]

Graham E. Fuller (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pivotal State Series | Publication Date: December 12, 2007

The first in a series of volumes that examine pivotal states in the Muslim world, this timely work explores how, after a long period of isolation, Turkey is becoming a major player in Middle Eastern politics once again. In fact, by acting independently and attempting to reconcile its constitutionally secular form of governance and vibrant traditional culture, it is now for the first time becoming positively viewed by others in the Muslim world as a state worth watching - and maybe even emulating. As a result, Turkey's dynamic political scene and new search for independence in its foreign policy, however complicating or irritating for the United States today, will nonetheless ultimately serve the best interests of Turkey, the Middle East, and even the West. Drawing heavily on a range of Turkish and Western sources, this multidimensional, lively, and nuanced volume provides an excellent introduction to one of the region's most fascinating and complex countries and makes a highly valuable contribution to the current debate about Turkey and its place in the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Timely and lively, Graham Fuller's latest book makes a valuable contribution to the debate about Turkey and its role in the world. Drawing on a range of interviews in Turkey and the region, it reflects on recent events and trends in a way that is not found in other works on Turkish foreign policy. It is an essential read for those looking to understand the new Turkey - and its meaning for others." - Ian Lesser, Woodrow Wilson Center"

About the Author

Graham E. Fuller is currently an independent writer, analyst, lecturer, and consultant on Middle Eastern affairs and an adjunct professor of history at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: United States Institute of Peace Press (December 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601270194
• ISBN-13: 978-1601270191
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #425,501 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Graham E. Fuller is a former vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council at the CIA, a former senior political scientist at RAND, and a current adjunct professor of history at Simon Fraser University. He is the author of numerous books about the Middle East, including The Future of Political Islam. He has lived and worked in the Muslim world for nearly two decades.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An In-Depth Yet Plain Analysis on Modern Turkey in 21st Century, May 8, 2008

By 

Vahit Sametoglu (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Turkish Republic: Turkey As a Pivotal State in the Muslim World (Pivotal State Series) (Paperback)

According to my grading scheme this book deserves 5 stars, no less. It is written in simple language and a level most people would comprehend. History, current events, regions, diplomatic tactics, economic actions, political figures, and the general chronological order have been laid out very clearly and unambiguously.

The book starts with history of Turkey dating back to late Ottoman era. The cause and effect relationships for the decline and eventual dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of the new Turkish state are presented very well. The similarities and crucial political differences between the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic are addressed very successfully. The initial chapters build a solid foundation for those who are not familiar with the Turkish history and the evolution of the Turkish Republic.

The main focus of the book is on last two decades of Turkey, its internal and external problems, relations with neighbors, economic transition, democratization and accession to becoming a member of the EU. Among these issues are military coup d'etats and their social, economic and political consequences and repercussions; political parties and major figures behind and in charge of these movements, the rigid and stern structure of Turkish government and its political ideals stemming from 1930's and attempts to modify and modernize these principles addressing the needs of today's society etc. To be more explicit, the inflexible and irreconcilable principles of Today's CHP and its more popular rival AKP (JDP), neo-Islamic movements based on interfaith dialog and education, the evolution of the Kurdish problem, and the demands and expectations of the vast majority of the population.

Turkey's relations with other nations and geographic regions are expressed very clearly. Since Turkey is located in an area where various ethnic, religious, political and economic rivalries are very commonplace, it is essential to understand each component individually to be able to grasp a general picture. This book accomplishes this task very articulately and unexpectedly well from a foreigner's point of view. In many respects, it can be said that the discussions are presented very objectively (Of course, there is no absolute objectivity or neutrality in politics, but he does a fair job to mention the views of all sides and avoids definite judgments).

Another achievement of this book is that it addresses the major topics including many controversial issues debated in Turkish society in the past 5 years and puts in them in plain language.

This book is recommended to those who would like to gain wholesome information about Turkey and understand the achievements (and possibly failures) of the Turkish model and its reverberations in the surrounding regions.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review on Current Events in Turkey., May 24, 2008

By 

Books To Be Read "Book lord" (TN USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: New Turkish Republic: Turkey As a Pivotal State in the Muslim World (Pivotal State Series) (Paperback)

This is a great book about the recent political changes in modern Turkey. In the last 5 years, Turkey underwent crucial events including the emergence of a new modern-islamic party and disapperance of so-called the owners of Turkey. Military and other powerful elites of Turkey were not happy for these changes. Mr. Fuller nicely explains the old and new Turkey in the light of these new political changes. He gives emphasis on the new leader of Turkey, and his party, AKP. It is a wonderful book for those who are curious of these important historical changes in Turkey. I highly recommend it without reservation.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend, September 17, 2010

By 

Hayirhah - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Turkish Republic: Turkey As a Pivotal State in the Muslim World (Pivotal State Series) (Paperback)

Comprehensive, yet concise. Away from political bias that exists in various forms in other similar works on the topic.
A successful and impartial piece to grasp the dynamics and gradual transformation process of contemporary Turkey.