- All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace
- Vol: 1 Issue: 2
- Comparing Individual Attitudes about EU Membership in Turkey and in Post-Communist Central and Easte...
Comparing Individual Attitudes about EU Membership in Turkey and in Post-Communist Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors : Çiğdem Kentmen
Pages : 5-18
Doi:10.20991/allazimuth.167300
View : 6 | Download : 3
Publication Date : 2012-09-14
Article Type : Research
Abstract :This article examines whether theories previously developed to explain variations in individual attitudes toward European Union (EU) membership in post-communist Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) also explain attitudes in Turkey. In CEECs, attitudes reflect whether individuals feel they win or lose in economic and democratic transitions. Although Turkey did not experience a transition from communism to liberal democracy, its political and economic spheres have nevertheless changed to meet EU membership conditions. Using 2002.2 and 2003.2 Eurobarometers, I found that, while satisfaction with economic circumstances significantly increased pro-EU attitudes, satisfaction with the democratic system did not increase pro-EU attitudes in Turkey and many CEECs.Keywords : Public opinion, EU membership, Turkey, Central and Eastern Europe