Democracy in Turkey

Turkey is more democratic, prosperous, and politically influential than ever before. Although Prime Minister Erdogan and his party have won democratic elections, they have engaged in undemocratic practices, such as the prosecution and detention of journalists and political opponents. These actions have sparked recent protests. Some protesters claim that Erdogan and his party are Islamists trying to impose their Muslim values on their secular society.

Erdogan's harsh treatment of protesters has led German Prime Minister Angela Merkel to oppose Turkey's application to the European Union, which prevents the unanimous consent needed to join the union. Merkel hopes that pressure from liberal democracies may encourage Turkey to respect democratic ideals.

Ultimately, what is the future of democracy in Turkey? Join us as we discuss this issue. References are below

As always...

All views and political orientations are welcome.

We welcome beginners and policy wonks alike. Feel free to join the discussion or just to listen and learn.

If you sign up and change your mind, please change your reply so that someone else may attend.

Meetup to last 1.5 hours (until 5:30 PM) although, of course, people are welcome to continue beyond that point.

References:

Turkey's Secular Awakening (http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/06/05/turkey_s_secular_awakening?page=full)

Turkey's Protests: Still Out On the Streets (http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21580196-even-protests-calm-down-questions-linger-about-turkeys-political-future-still-out)

Turkey's Protests: Erdogan Cracks Down (http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21579873-vicious-police-tactics-have-reclaimed-taksim-square-and-other-places-protest-high)

U.S.-Turkey Relations (http://www.cfr.org/turkey/us-turkey-relations/p28139)

Merkel Opposes Turkey's Membership to E.U. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/27/us-germany-turkey-eu-idUSBRE95Q0AN20130627)