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Turkey has often looked like an odd appendix to the West: economically backward, inward looking, marred by political violence, yet a staunch NATO ally. But since the momentous changes in the world order of 1989, Turkey has become a major power broker and one of the largest economies in the world, albeit with ethnic and religious conflicts persisting.Kerem +ktem charts the contemporary history of Turkey, exploring such key issues as the relationship between religion and the state, Kurdish identity, Turkey's relationship with Israel and the ongoing controversy over EU membership. Readable but comprehensive, Turkey since 1989 is the definitive book on the country's erratic transformation from a military dictatorship to a maturing, if still troubled, democracy.
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`An admirably clear and well-researched account of the recent history of a complex, conflict-ridden and fascinating country. While Oktem is uncompromising about the dark side of Turkey's recent past, he also argues persuasively that social, economic and political changes are creating a new, outward-looking country capable of playing a key role in the world.Essential reading for anyone interested in a country which is, in several senses, at a critical crossroads.' Professor Margaret MacMillan, University of Oxford`In five deft, lucid chapters, the author deploys intimate knowledge and illuminating detail to examine the forces shaping Turkey and contesting its future. The result is a brilliant, assured overview ... Kerem Oktem has written a compelling book about an indispensable nation - and done both scholarship and modern Turkey a true service.' David Hayes, openDemocracy`This book provides an unusually lucid and well-structured account of developments in Turkey since the end of the Cold War.' Professor Elisabeth Ozdalga, Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul`Kerem Oktem's meticulous analysis provides valuable insights into the difficult process Turkey has undergone since 1980. He carefully maps out all the public discourses and significant key moments in excellent prose.' Professor Fatma Miige Gocek, University of MichiganTurkey has often looked like an odd appendix to the West: economically backward, inward looking, marred by political violence, yet a staunch NATO ally. But since the momentous changes in the world order of 1989, Turkey has become a major power broker and one of the largest economies in the world, albeit with ethnic and religious conflicts persisting.Kerem Oktem charts the contemporary history of Turkey, exploring such key issues as the relationship between religion and the state, Kurdish identity, Turkey's relationship with Israel and the ongoing controversy over EU membership. Readable but comprehensive, Turkey since 1989 is the definitive book on the country's erratic transformation from a military dictatorship to a maturing, if still troubled, democracy.
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