Topic: 2025 – Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Braden Longstreth
Delegation: Türkiye
Committee: SPECPOL
Democracy and Autocracy
The world has continuously shown over the past decade a large shift towards more autocratic policies and governments. Although this trend is seen in the government, it stems from a shift in common people. An exponentially increasing amount of people are wanting a singular strong figure to run their government, as a study including 77 countries found that 52% of people agree (Benefits). This shift can be attributed to many different factors, depending on each country’s circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for many governments moving towards autocracy, along with climate change causing increased disaster for nations. From a more political standpoint, people are starting to shift more polar, so democracies have a hard time appeasing everybody. However, the move towards autocracy can be seen as a very beneficial change for countries. It allows for quick, and easy decisions to be made, with little to no conflict. This can be crucial for passing important bills or making vital decisions in conflict.
Türkiye is no exception to this shift, but rather, on a good shift towards a more powerful autocratic government. Since 2018, when the Presidential system was introduced in Türkiye, power has become increasingly centralized in the nation (Aliriza). This was achievable by removing the prime minister office in 2017, giving the future president the ability to veto any legislation and appoint any officials necessary. Türkiye is described as an electoral autocracy, meaning the centralized power is still accompanied by different democratic institutions. These include The Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, The Judicial Network, and the election process (Alzira). To properly balance the central power of the president, these democratic institutions must be protected, but still be malleable, to adjust to the needs of the country.
The main goal of Türkiye to protect not only the democracy, but also the autocracy, is to strengthen the sovereign rights of countries. Having this general assembly take a more non-interference approach on domestic affairs will allow for countries’ citizens to fully express their needs, with outside influence. This includes rejecting foreign criticism of elections, any outside monitoring of political parties, and the replacement of domestic judicial practices with international ones. This plan would also have to change the international media outlook. To protect citizens and governments, stronger regulations should be placed on social media and journalism. Not full censorship, but the prevention of misinformation, and heavy foreign influence campaigns. Along with strengthening sovereignty, as polarization continues to increase, counter-terrorism acts need to be put in place. The expansion of law enforcement and surveillance, along with the retaliation of protests, are crucial in protecting the safety of this country, and many others too.
Work Cited:
Aliriza, Bulent. “Erdogan Takes Total Control of ‘New Turkey.’” CSIS, www.csis.org/analysis/erdogan-takes-total-control-new-turkey#:~:text=The%20expanded%20powers%20given%20to,task%20of%20implementing%20presidential%20directives. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
Aydın, Yaşar. “Turkey on the Path to Autocracy.” Stiftung Wissenschaft Und Politik (SWP), www.swp-berlin.org/publikation/turkey-on-the-path-to-autocracy#:~:text=Turkey%20is%20at%20risk%20of,and%20the%20rule%20of%20law. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
“The benefits and pitfalls of autocratic leadership.” Successfactory, www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk/blog/the-benefits-and-pitfalls-of-autocratic-leadership. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
“Turkey: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report.” Freedom House, freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-world/2024#:~:text=The%20pro%2DKurdish%20YSP%20won,the%20relevant%20election%20management%20bodies?&text=The%20judges%20of%20the%20Supreme,inconsistencies%20in%20the%20vote%20count. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
