Military Vs Civil Society In Türkiye (analysis Of The Cause Of The Failure Of The Coup In Türkiye In 2016)

by ADMIN 107 views

Military vs Civil Society in Türkiye: An Analysis of the Cause of the Failure of the Coup in 2016

Introduction

In 2016, Türkiye witnessed a failed coup attempt, an event that shook the country and raised questions about the relationship between the military and civil society. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has experienced several coups in its history, but the 2016 coup is different. The efforts of some military personnel to take power were successfully muted in a short time, leaving a big question trail about the cause of their failure. This study aims to analyze the cause of the failure of the 2016 coup by referring to the theory of civil-military relations and the theory of the coup.

Understanding Civil-Military Relations

The theory of civil-military relations, put forward by Samuel P. Huntington, Michael C. Desch, and Samuel E. Finner, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance and relationship between the military and civil society. This theory helps us understand how the dynamics of power and the influence between the two entities affect the political stability of a country. The theory highlights the need for a clear distinction between the roles of the military and civil society, with the military serving as a neutral and professional institution, while civil society plays a crucial role in shaping the country's politics and policies.

The Theory of Coup

The theory of coup helps analyze the factors that encourage a coup, such as dissatisfaction with government, political tensions, or power struggles. In addition, this theory also helps identify the factors that determine the success or failure of a coup, such as community support, military power, and strategies used. The theory suggests that a coup is more likely to succeed when there is a strong sense of discontent among the population, a weak and divided government, and a well-planned and executed military operation.

Analysis of the Cause of the Failure of the Coup

Based on an in-depth analysis of literature and related sources, this study identified the four main factors that caused the 2016 coup failure in Türkiye:

1. Divided Military Support

The coup did not receive support from all Turkish military ranks. This caused a division of loyalty and uncoordinated strategies, weakening the military power involved. The military is a hierarchical institution, and the lack of support from senior officers and other ranks made it difficult for the coup plotters to execute their plan effectively.

2. Inappropriate Time

The day and time of the coup were considered inappropriate, providing time for the government to respond and raise support from the community. The coup plotters had planned to take power in the early hours of the morning, but this gave the government and the people of Türkiye time to react and mobilize against the coup.

3. Lack of Civil Society Support

The coup did not receive support from civil society. The Turkish community, who felt threatened by the efforts to take power, took to the streets and showed strong resistance to the coup. The people of Türkiye were aware of the importance of democracy and the rule of law, and they were determined to protect their rights and freedoms.

4. Strategic Media Response

The government and the people of Türkiye were able to respond quickly to the coup through strategic media. The media played a crucial role in spreading information and mobilizing the public against the coup. The government was able to use the media to reach out to the people and to provide them with accurate information about the situation.

Conclusion

The failure of the 2016 coup in Türkiye is proof that the military can no longer control politics without the support of civil society. The strength of a strong and organized civil society, as well as the role of strategic media in spreading information, is an important factor that determines the success of resistance to the coup. The people of Türkiye have shown that they are aware of their rights and freedoms, and they are determined to protect them.

Implications

This incident shows that strong democracy with active and aware citizens has the ability to overcome the threat of militarism and maintain political stability. The people of Türkiye have demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and they have shown that they are capable of defending their rights and freedoms against any threat. This study highlights the importance of civil-military relations and the need for a strong and organized civil society in maintaining political stability and defending democracy.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The government of Türkiye should continue to strengthen its relationship with civil society and to promote democratic values and principles.
  • The military should be kept separate from politics and should be subject to civilian control.
  • The media should continue to play a crucial role in spreading information and mobilizing the public against any threat to democracy.
  • The people of Türkiye should remain vigilant and aware of their rights and freedoms, and they should continue to defend them against any threat.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, it is based on a single case study, and the findings may not be generalizable to other countries. Secondly, the study relies on secondary sources, and the data may be subject to bias and limitations. Finally, the study does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the coup and its aftermath, and it focuses on a limited number of factors that contributed to the failure of the coup.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to build on the findings of this study and to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the coup and its aftermath. This could involve conducting a more in-depth analysis of the coup plotters and their motivations, as well as a more detailed examination of the role of civil society and the media in resisting the coup. Additionally, future research could explore the implications of the coup for Turkish politics and society, and it could examine the ways in which the coup has shaped the country's political landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has provided an analysis of the cause of the failure of the 2016 coup in Türkiye. The study has identified four main factors that contributed to the failure of the coup, including divided military support, inappropriate time, lack of civil society support, and strategic media response. The study highlights the importance of civil-military relations and the need for a strong and organized civil society in maintaining political stability and defending democracy. The implications of the study are significant, and they suggest that strong democracy with active and aware citizens has the ability to overcome the threat of militarism and maintain political stability.
Q&A: Understanding the Military vs Civil Society in Türkiye

Introduction

The failed coup attempt in 2016 in Türkiye was a significant event that raised questions about the relationship between the military and civil society. In this Q&A article, we will explore the key factors that contributed to the failure of the coup and the implications of this event for Turkish politics and society.

Q: What was the main cause of the failure of the 2016 coup in Türkiye?

A: The main cause of the failure of the 2016 coup in Türkiye was the lack of support from civil society. The Turkish community, who felt threatened by the efforts to take power, took to the streets and showed strong resistance to the coup.

Q: What role did the military play in the failed coup?

A: The military played a significant role in the failed coup, but it was not a unified effort. Some military personnel supported the coup, while others opposed it. The lack of support from senior officers and other ranks made it difficult for the coup plotters to execute their plan effectively.

Q: What was the significance of the time and date of the coup?

A: The time and date of the coup were considered inappropriate, providing time for the government to respond and raise support from the community. The coup plotters had planned to take power in the early hours of the morning, but this gave the government and the people of Türkiye time to react and mobilize against the coup.

Q: What was the role of the media in resisting the coup?

A: The media played a crucial role in spreading information and mobilizing the public against the coup. The government was able to use the media to reach out to the people and to provide them with accurate information about the situation.

Q: What are the implications of the failed coup for Turkish politics and society?

A: The failed coup has significant implications for Turkish politics and society. It highlights the importance of civil-military relations and the need for a strong and organized civil society in maintaining political stability and defending democracy. The people of Türkiye have demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and they have shown that they are capable of defending their rights and freedoms against any threat.

Q: What can be learned from the failed coup?

A: The failed coup provides several lessons for Turkish politics and society. Firstly, it highlights the importance of civil-military relations and the need for a clear distinction between the roles of the military and civil society. Secondly, it shows the importance of a strong and organized civil society in maintaining political stability and defending democracy. Finally, it demonstrates the need for a well-planned and executed response to any threat to democracy.

Q: What are the challenges facing Turkish democracy?

A: Turkish democracy faces several challenges, including the need to strengthen civil-military relations, promote democratic values and principles, and ensure the independence of the media. Additionally, the country needs to address the issue of polarization and promote national unity.

Q: What is the future of Turkish politics?

A: The future of Turkish politics is uncertain, but it is likely to be shaped by the ongoing struggle between the government and the opposition. The government will continue to face challenges from the opposition, and the opposition will continue to push for democratic reforms. The outcome of this struggle will depend on the ability of the government and the opposition to work together and find common ground.

Q: What can be done to promote democracy in Türkiye?

A: There are several steps that can be taken to promote democracy in Türkiye. Firstly, the government should continue to strengthen civil-military relations and promote democratic values and principles. Secondly, the opposition should continue to push for democratic reforms and work to build a more inclusive and representative government. Finally, the international community should continue to support Turkish democracy and provide assistance to the country in its efforts to promote democracy and human rights.

Conclusion

The failed coup in 2016 in Türkiye was a significant event that raised questions about the relationship between the military and civil society. The study highlights the importance of civil-military relations and the need for a strong and organized civil society in maintaining political stability and defending democracy. The implications of the failed coup are significant, and they suggest that strong democracy with active and aware citizens has the ability to overcome the threat of militarism and maintain political stability.