Neo-Ottomanism and the Politics of Emotions in Turkey: Resentment, Nostalgia, Narcissism

This open access book explores the politics of emotions under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey and the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It examines how emotional politics and particularly the use of Neo-Ottomanist narrative in Turkey created a new national mood and contributed to the durability of Erdoğan's rule. The author analyzes the interactions between national narratives, symbolic politics, and politics of emotions and argues that these interactions are the basis of the popular support the AKP has enjoyed over twenty years. Since Erdoan came to power, the Turkish regime has played a significant role in Middle Eastern conflicts and the European refugee crisis has made Turkey a topic of international interest. Ukraine's crisis will only increase this interest. Furthermore, with increasing authoritarianism, violations of human rights, and the current economic crisis, the country has been in turmoil since the Gezi Park protests in 2013. This book appeals to scholars of political science and sociology as well as policymakers interested in the rise of authoritarianism.