The article for this week is “Is Turkey turning its back on the West?” and is found on page 14. Also, in this edition there is a special report on Turkey starting on page 61. Feel free to incorporate any information from those articles in the discussion as well. I hope you enjoy the article on Turkey and western democratic sentiments.
Why is Turkey still viewed as “the sick man of Europe?” What factors contribute to this depiction of Turkey?
Why do you think “Europeans are trembling” to grant EU membership to Turkey?
Do you believe that Turkey will ever be accepted by Westerners? Why or why not?
How could you incorporate this article into the classroom?
Interesting choice in article LaShunda...I was unaware that Turkey was involved with the Flotilla incident...
Turkey's economy was viewed as the "sick man of Europe" because of high inflation, and banking busts. However, currently their economy is on the rise with lower inflation rates, and success in manufacturing. Turkey manufactures much of what Europeans buy including furniture, cars, cement, TVs/DVD players and even shoes. The author goes so far as to call Turkey "the China of Europe."
Europeans are hesitant to allow Turkey to join the EU because of a number of issues. Turkish dealings in Cyprus was one problem as well as their new 'adventurous' foreign policy. Turkey has recently reached out to nations in the Middle East and in Africa as well. Americans and Europeans have been unhappy with Turkey's 'soft' treatment of Iran and Sudan. I think the author's perspective on this issue is interesting and holds some merit. Perhaps EU's treatment will truly push Turkey towards the becoming the Muslim Fundamentalist nation it so fears.
This classroom would be an excellent current event, especially around a unit on Post WWWII that discussed the Marshall Plan. The article is an interesting snapshot of Turkey today and would act as a great connector between the past and present. Although the article is a bit one sided, perhaps it could initiate a debate in class to argue the other side. Why would the EU be justified in keeping Turkey out of the organization? Ultimately the article is great example of a free market/democracy working in a Muslim nation and would be very informative for students!
I agree with Emily that this is an interesting article! Before I read this article, I knew very little about the debate over Turkey and the EU except for the fact that Turkey has wanted to become a member for some time, but has not been allowed. This article makes the debate much more clear (though I also agree that it comes across very one-sided in its opinion).
Turkey is still viewed as the "sick man of Europe" even though its economy has become much stronger and more stable since the post-War period. I believe that this continued negative portrayal of Turkey is less about its economic system and more about its culture: as a Muslim nation, and as a nation that has recently adopted an active foreign policy against traditional Western allies (namely Israel), Turkey may be located in Europe but it doesn't exactly "fit" the Western European mold. Westerners are "trembling" to grant Turkey EU membership both because it is so populous and because it is so different...they fear that a supranational relationship with Turkey might jeopardize their own Western objectives and alliances, not to mention that it would clash with their own cultural foundations.
Despite all of this, I believe that Turkey will eventually gain admission to the EU. Europe is already struggling with financial crises, and the more that Turkey becomes an economic powerhouse (the "China" of Europe), the EU will have a greater incentive to build closer ties with this military and economic giant.
This article would be interesting to bring into the classroom in several contexts. It could be part of a discussion about Israel and the recent flotilla incident; it could also obviously be part of a discussion about the European Union. Students would need a fair bit of background knowledge and scaffolding, however, to understand the complexity of this article and Turkey's situation.
Turkey was viewed as the “sick man of Europe” during the post-war years due to its high inflation and banking busts. The economic state of the country has changed quite significantly however over the years. Turkey has gotten its inflation and banking system under control and is not the fastest growing economy in the OECD. I find this statistic particularly interesting since countries such as France-who is a big voice against Turkey joining the EU is a member of this organization as well as several other important European countries.
I think “Europeans are trembling” for a couple reasons. First I think they are scared of the Islamic affiliation of Turkey. However this affiliation is clearly kept outside the government. Most recently however it has been Turkey’s dealing in Cyprus, Sudan, and Iran to name a few that have left Western countries uneasy. I agree with Emily that the author makes an interesting and valid point. If the EU continues to block Turkey’s connection to membership as well as the Western world (as it could be seen by them) they might in fact become an Islamic faction and power.
In the current political climate I do not think that Turkey will be accepted by Westerners particularly the EU. I do however think it would be a smart decision but that is my personal opinion. I think the Western nations will have a hard time ignoring their vote against stricter sanctions in Iran and their gentle treatment in the Sudan. I think these actions were enough to make a fragile relationship a questionable one. But in this global world things can change at a moment’s notice and anything is possible.
I think this would be a great article to in cooperate into the classroom. This article would be an excellent way to show students how geography and demographics influence global politics. One cannot understand the sentiments expressed in this article without understanding the geographic position of Turkey and how they literally and figuratively they are “bulwark of the West” (p.16).
All great points...excellent article to choose! You all make some interesting points about Turkey being different culturally from Western European nations...which would be a great example for students that culture (and the geography that helped to shape it) has a direct economic impact. This could be used as an example even if students were not aware of Turkey's particular situation.
I apologize for not getting my comment in earlier... I believe that the EU is being close minded in disallowing Turkey into their Union especially after they were so willing to accept less sound economies only a few years ago. I feel that the delay in allowing Turkey into the EU was certainly because of cultural differences and overwhelming public sentiment not to aloow them in. Once again I feel that the European public was judging Turkey on cultural differences instead of simply on economic merit.
That being said I feel that blocking Turkey from joining now is probably in the best interest on the EU. With the collapse of both the Greek and Spanish economies taking on another country would be a risky decision, especially considering Turkey's size. I think that eventually turkey will be accepted as long as they don't stop attempting to join the EU. I believe the EU wants to be a larger player in the Middle East, like the article stated, and admitting Turkey seems like it would do just that.
I thought this was a good article to bring into the classroom because it blends together economics, politics, culture and history. If we were teaching a lesson about the EU in particular or something relating to Turkey this would be good way to tie in a current event.
Like Anna, the only thing I knew about Turkey's relationship to the international community, and to Europe especially, was that it applied for membership in the EU and, in doing so, rustled quite a few feathers. I think that the article that LaShunda selected did an excellent job of giving the history behind why, exactly, this was the case and, more importantly perhaps, why Turkey's application and European relationship are significant.
Long the "sickman" due to instability in economic growth trends, exorbitant inflation and continued unpredictability regarding bank reliability, Turkey's evolving economy and social structure, as The Economist articulated, has proved to be what many Westerners may have thought impossible: "a Muslim democracy...committed to economic and political liberalism."
I think that one of the reason these significant advances and Turkey's changing role in world (and especially Middle Eastern) politics has rattled Western leaders has to do with the issue of the unquestioned authority of the West. Turkey's failure to act of its own accord in a region where the Western world highly values political and legislative continuity among its allies breaks from the status quo and probably causes concern for those currently fighting for a continuation of Western hegemony.
Until the West's tight grip on Middle Eastern domination and control loosens (which, I'm not sure it ever will, due to the fear induced by cultural differences, resources, and history) Turkey's position will always teeter in the balance.
One issue that the author discussed was the difference between Brazil's actions and Turkey's actions. I think that this comparison can make for the foundations of a good classroom activity or discussion. The largest factor separating Turkey and Brazil is their geographical locations. Students can use maps to compare nations in different geographical areas, but with similar political situations, to discuss in pairs or small groups, the differences that national surroundings, resources, and geographical history may have on a nation's decisions. For example: What was the difference between American action and British action during WWII? What does geography have to do with this? What does other history that you know have to do with this decision?
These types of comparing and contrasting activities will help students to differentiate between situations that may get blurry.
Although Turkey used to be known as the "sick man of Europe," its booming economy certainly suggests the contrary in the twenty-first century. Although it is not an agricultural nation, its manufacturing growth suggests similar patterns as Chinese expansion in industry. Members of the EU seem to be hesitant not about Turkey's economic policies but its foreign policy choices and cultural values. Certainly fear of Turkey's support for other Muslim nations might scare European countries, but I believe admitting Turkey into the European Union would be a wise decision. It's large population and booming economy are obvious strengths, but I think the most important thing to consider is Turkey's role as a bridge between the West and the Muslim world. Turkey's democratic government and moderate (often even liberal) cultural values put it in a perfect position to help mediate in conflicts between the Western world and Muslim nations. It does not seem that Turkey is "turning its back on the West;" rather, Turkey (as in any democracy) simply must identify with its citizenry as members of the Muslim community. Turkey's involvement in the Flotilla incident was largely circumstantial in nature and should not be used to characterize its foreign policy in a broader sense. As part of the Muslim world, it is only natural for Turkey to support popular Muslim views regarding the conflict in the Middle East. If the United States and other Western nations could reach an understanding with Turkey regarding the Middle East, Turkey would represent a powerful ally who could build Western rapport with more conservative Muslim states such as Jordan and Lebanon.
This article would be particularly useful in a Civics class. Many students often associate the Muslim world with autocratic theocracies, economies based on the oil industry, and violence. Highlighting Turkey's democratic government could help students to broaden that worldview and learn the tenets of democracy outside the United States at the same time. It could also be utilized to discuss the spread of democracy in Europe after WWII. Great article to pick, LaShunda!
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ReplyDeleteThe article for this week is “Is Turkey turning its back on the West?” and is found on page 14. Also, in this edition there is a special report on Turkey starting on page 61. Feel free to incorporate any information from those articles in the discussion as well. I hope you enjoy the article on Turkey and western democratic sentiments.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Turkey still viewed as “the sick man of Europe?” What factors contribute to this depiction of Turkey?
Why do you think “Europeans are trembling” to grant EU membership to Turkey?
Do you believe that Turkey will ever be accepted by Westerners? Why or why not?
How could you incorporate this article into the classroom?
Interesting choice in article LaShunda...I was unaware that Turkey was involved with the Flotilla incident...
ReplyDeleteTurkey's economy was viewed as the "sick man of Europe" because of high inflation, and banking busts. However, currently their economy is on the rise with lower inflation rates, and success in manufacturing. Turkey manufactures much of what Europeans buy including furniture, cars, cement, TVs/DVD players and even shoes. The author goes so far as to call Turkey "the China of Europe."
Europeans are hesitant to allow Turkey to join the EU because of a number of issues. Turkish dealings in Cyprus was one problem as well as their new 'adventurous' foreign policy. Turkey has recently reached out to nations in the Middle East and in Africa as well. Americans and Europeans have been unhappy with Turkey's 'soft' treatment of Iran and Sudan. I think the author's perspective on this issue is interesting and holds some merit. Perhaps EU's treatment will truly push Turkey towards the becoming the Muslim Fundamentalist nation it so fears.
This classroom would be an excellent current event, especially around a unit on Post WWWII that discussed the Marshall Plan. The article is an interesting snapshot of Turkey today and would act as a great connector between the past and present. Although the article is a bit one sided, perhaps it could initiate a debate in class to argue the other side. Why would the EU be justified in keeping Turkey out of the organization? Ultimately the article is great example of a free market/democracy working in a Muslim nation and would be very informative for students!
I agree with Emily that this is an interesting article! Before I read this article, I knew very little about the debate over Turkey and the EU except for the fact that Turkey has wanted to become a member for some time, but has not been allowed. This article makes the debate much more clear (though I also agree that it comes across very one-sided in its opinion).
ReplyDeleteTurkey is still viewed as the "sick man of Europe" even though its economy has become much stronger and more stable since the post-War period. I believe that this continued negative portrayal of Turkey is less about its economic system and more about its culture: as a Muslim nation, and as a nation that has recently adopted an active foreign policy against traditional Western allies (namely Israel), Turkey may be located in Europe but it doesn't exactly "fit" the Western European mold. Westerners are "trembling" to grant Turkey EU membership both because it is so populous and because it is so different...they fear that a supranational relationship with Turkey might jeopardize their own Western objectives and alliances, not to mention that it would clash with their own cultural foundations.
Despite all of this, I believe that Turkey will eventually gain admission to the EU. Europe is already struggling with financial crises, and the more that Turkey becomes an economic powerhouse (the "China" of Europe), the EU will have a greater incentive to build closer ties with this military and economic giant.
This article would be interesting to bring into the classroom in several contexts. It could be part of a discussion about Israel and the recent flotilla incident; it could also obviously be part of a discussion about the European Union. Students would need a fair bit of background knowledge and scaffolding, however, to understand the complexity of this article and Turkey's situation.
Turkey was viewed as the “sick man of Europe” during the post-war years due to its high inflation and banking busts. The economic state of the country has changed quite significantly however over the years. Turkey has gotten its inflation and banking system under control and is not the fastest growing economy in the OECD. I find this statistic particularly interesting since countries such as France-who is a big voice against Turkey joining the EU is a member of this organization as well as several other important European countries.
ReplyDeleteI think “Europeans are trembling” for a couple reasons. First I think they are scared of the Islamic affiliation of Turkey. However this affiliation is clearly kept outside the government. Most recently however it has been Turkey’s dealing in Cyprus, Sudan, and Iran to name a few that have left Western countries uneasy. I agree with Emily that the author makes an interesting and valid point. If the EU continues to block Turkey’s connection to membership as well as the Western world (as it could be seen by them) they might in fact become an Islamic faction and power.
In the current political climate I do not think that Turkey will be accepted by Westerners particularly the EU. I do however think it would be a smart decision but that is my personal opinion. I think the Western nations will have a hard time ignoring their vote against stricter sanctions in Iran and their gentle treatment in the Sudan. I think these actions were enough to make a fragile relationship a questionable one. But in this global world things can change at a moment’s notice and anything is possible.
I think this would be a great article to in cooperate into the classroom. This article would be an excellent way to show students how geography and demographics influence global politics. One cannot understand the sentiments expressed in this article without understanding the geographic position of Turkey and how they literally and figuratively they are “bulwark of the West” (p.16).
All great points...excellent article to choose! You all make some interesting points about Turkey being different culturally from Western European nations...which would be a great example for students that culture (and the geography that helped to shape it) has a direct economic impact. This could be used as an example even if students were not aware of Turkey's particular situation.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for not getting my comment in earlier...
ReplyDeleteI believe that the EU is being close minded in disallowing Turkey into their Union especially after they were so willing to accept less sound economies only a few years ago. I feel that the delay in allowing Turkey into the EU was certainly because of cultural differences and overwhelming public sentiment not to aloow them in. Once again I feel that the European public was judging Turkey on cultural differences instead of simply on economic merit.
That being said I feel that blocking Turkey from joining now is probably in the best interest on the EU. With the collapse of both the Greek and Spanish economies taking on another country would be a risky decision, especially considering Turkey's size. I think that eventually turkey will be accepted as long as they don't stop attempting to join the EU. I believe the EU wants to be a larger player in the Middle East, like the article stated, and admitting Turkey seems like it would do just that.
I thought this was a good article to bring into the classroom because it blends together economics, politics, culture and history. If we were teaching a lesson about the EU in particular or something relating to Turkey this would be good way to tie in a current event.
Like Anna, the only thing I knew about Turkey's relationship to the international community, and to Europe especially, was that it applied for membership in the EU and, in doing so, rustled quite a few feathers. I think that the article that LaShunda selected did an excellent job of giving the history behind why, exactly, this was the case and, more importantly perhaps, why Turkey's application and European relationship are significant.
ReplyDeleteLong the "sickman" due to instability in economic growth trends, exorbitant inflation and continued unpredictability regarding bank reliability, Turkey's evolving economy and social structure, as The Economist articulated, has proved to be what many Westerners may have thought impossible: "a Muslim democracy...committed to economic and political liberalism."
I think that one of the reason these significant advances and Turkey's changing role in world (and especially Middle Eastern) politics has rattled Western leaders has to do with the issue of the unquestioned authority of the West. Turkey's failure to act of its own accord in a region where the Western world highly values political and legislative continuity among its allies breaks from the status quo and probably causes concern for those currently fighting for a continuation of Western hegemony.
Until the West's tight grip on Middle Eastern domination and control loosens (which, I'm not sure it ever will, due to the fear induced by cultural differences, resources, and history) Turkey's position will always teeter in the balance.
One issue that the author discussed was the difference between Brazil's actions and Turkey's actions. I think that this comparison can make for the foundations of a good classroom activity or discussion. The largest factor separating Turkey and Brazil is their geographical locations. Students can use maps to compare nations in different geographical areas, but with similar political situations, to discuss in pairs or small groups, the differences that national surroundings, resources, and geographical history may have on a nation's decisions. For example: What was the difference between American action and British action during WWII? What does geography have to do with this? What does other history that you know have to do with this decision?
These types of comparing and contrasting activities will help students to differentiate between situations that may get blurry.
Although Turkey used to be known as the "sick man of Europe," its booming economy certainly suggests the contrary in the twenty-first century. Although it is not an agricultural nation, its manufacturing growth suggests similar patterns as Chinese expansion in industry. Members of the EU seem to be hesitant not about Turkey's economic policies but its foreign policy choices and cultural values. Certainly fear of Turkey's support for other Muslim nations might scare European countries, but I believe admitting Turkey into the European Union would be a wise decision. It's large population and booming economy are obvious strengths, but I think the most important thing to consider is Turkey's role as a bridge between the West and the Muslim world. Turkey's democratic government and moderate (often even liberal) cultural values put it in a perfect position to help mediate in conflicts between the Western world and Muslim nations. It does not seem that Turkey is "turning its back on the West;" rather, Turkey (as in any democracy) simply must identify with its citizenry as members of the Muslim community. Turkey's involvement in the Flotilla incident was largely circumstantial in nature and should not be used to characterize its foreign policy in a broader sense. As part of the Muslim world, it is only natural for Turkey to support popular Muslim views regarding the conflict in the Middle East. If the United States and other Western nations could reach an understanding with Turkey regarding the Middle East, Turkey would represent a powerful ally who could build Western rapport with more conservative Muslim states such as Jordan and Lebanon.
ReplyDeleteThis article would be particularly useful in a Civics class. Many students often associate the Muslim world with autocratic theocracies, economies based on the oil industry, and violence. Highlighting Turkey's democratic government could help students to broaden that worldview and learn the tenets of democracy outside the United States at the same time. It could also be utilized to discuss the spread of democracy in Europe after WWII. Great article to pick, LaShunda!